Vivian {7}

On August 9, tucked into the reality of our year-long Pinecrest Lake dreams, our Vivian turned 7.

With a blip of elusive lake wifi, I wrote on Instagram a few days later that Vivian has been leading us on Pinecrest Lake adventures with her 'compass' and walking stick.  I can't help but think that this has been her role since coming to this earth 7 years ago : she confidently and bravely leads us to places that may seem scary and foreign at first, but end up being right where we need to be : beautiful and heart stretching terrain where I am learning to walk bravely and confidently, too.  Love you, my sweet Vivian.

The words that come to mind most often as I parent Vivian are "let her be who she is."  I marvel at her innate curiosity and confidence and long to nurture those unique parts of who she is. She is plucky (that's a Pippi reference) and spunky (that's a Ramona reference) and keeps me on my toes. She is empathetic and imaginative and kind-hearted.  So grateful she's the person who made me a mom.