Today, you are four...

Dear Natalie,

In keeping with the tradition of the last few years, I'm going to share with you some things about you today, the day you turned four.

1. A lot has changed for you this year, you have a new baby brother, you started dance classes, had your first "girl fight", requested many items for your clothing/accessories and was tall enough to ride your first roller coaster.

2. You are an amazing big "sissy." In fact, you won't let us call you Natalie much anymore. You insist we call you sissy.

3. You LOVED your dance class. You did awesome job in your recital. You knew the moves and even went ahead of the teacher in a few songs. Even though you were one of the few three year olds on stage, you were one of the tallest kids. We are still not sure where that height comes from.

4. You are an absolute dare devil. While riding a real roller coaster, that you were exactly tall enough for, you giggled, threw your hands in the air, and pointed out the scenery. The faster and sharper it turned, the more you laughed. When we got off, you asked to ride in the front car. When we did, you loved it even more.

5. You can read all your letters and numbers. You can write Natalie Hall without any assistance from us. You color in the lines and get very irritated when other's don't.

6. You still love reading books and after just a few times, you usually have them memorized and "read" them to us.

7. You are very into practical jokes, especially with your Daddy.

8. You are a monkey, climbing on everything. You are obsessed with the monkey bars to the point of blisters on your little hands. You leap from your swing set and had to be stopped before you rode your pink horse down the slide.

9.You still like for things to be organized. On more then one occasion, you have to declared to us that our house is a mess. However, it must be said that you are usually the last one to help clean up.

10. You can get an attitude. You say "hmphh" when you don't like something, you cross your arms and stick your head in the air. This has resulted in many time outs for you.

11. You really love to be around people. You get upset when we aren't going anywhere after school.

12. You know how to use our cell phones to call grandparents and others. You know how to call 911. The other day, you picked up your play phone and said, "lets see...I need to check the weather."

13. You will do anything for a slushie. It's the best reward for you ever.

14. You taught us a big lesson in love and forgiveness. After you first real girl drama with "mean girl" we were talking. Mommy suggested you be best friends with someone nicer in your class, who likes you for you. You asked if you could still be mean girls friend. Mommy told you yes, but just suggested finding another best friend. You then said, "Mommy I want to be her best friend, cause God is our best friend even we are mean and not nice. He love us all the time." And sweet girl, you are right.

Our prayer is that you always love God and love others with such a passion. God never calls us to love only a little bit and you my baby love bigger then anyone. Blessings all over you.

We love you forever, for always, no matter what.