Sixteen Candles

On this day, sixteen years ago, my sweet, darling, little girl was born. At almost 5'11 she's not so little anymore and, at times, like most teens, she can be less than darling - but she's mine and I love her. Besides, the statute of limitations has run out on being able to return her.

Happy Sweet Sixteen, Renny!

Day One.

10 months old. We're thinking she's never going to have any hair.

Almost 4. And, thankfully, no longer bald. If you look closely enough toward the back of her right cheek (on your left) you will see her birthmark, what Ren called her "beauty mark", which was removed over the course of 3 surgeries from ages 4-6.

Jazz - second grade.

Third grade. Let's go, Raiders! Clap-clap. Clap-clap-clap.

On the porch steps of Laura Ingalls Wilder's home - Summer 2006. She was a major LHOTP fan!

In pee wee basketball - sixth grade. Much to my chagrin, the sport that didn't pan out.

Basketball Homecoming attendant - 8th grade - in a red Maggie Sottero wedding dress. Hey, it was on sale and the right color.

October of her freshman year of high school.

Watergirl!