Favorite Things February #24: Annika

I have mentioned Taryn, Landon, and Dan as my favorite "things" already, so, of course I can't forget about Annika. The other day her class celebrated their 100th day of school. They had to bring in 100 things that could fit in a little baggy. She came up with the idea of cutting 100 little pieces of paper. She enlisted the help of Auntie Anna and Uncle Jim. She got them their paper and scissors and they went to work. As a typical oldest child, she was in charge. I think she was surprised at how little amount of space 100 pieces of paper actually took up in the baggy. But, she was pretty proud of her accomplishment.

I look over the past 100 days of Annika in Kindergarten and she has grown by leaps and bounds, literally. The pants we got at the beginning of the year are already getting a little short. The way she interacts with us is different too. We can have interesting conversations and actual discussions. She is more curious about the world outside of the four walls of this house. A few weeks back we went to put meals together with an organization in the area for the earthquake victims in Haiti. This prompted so many deep questions and observations about God and life in general. It was sweet to see her heart hurt for those that were hurting. Since then she has been sure to include those in Haiti in her prayers. Hearing her prayers are a little window into her soul and shows me a bit of what she thinks of life around her. I need to remember not to rush through the night time routine and let her express herself and ask questions. Often when I am the most ready to get into my p.j.'s and veg is when she wants to ask probing questions. I want to encourage that conversation and not stifle it. I want to be the one she goes to first and asks the important life questions.

Wonder what the next 100 days will hold?

Annika on the first day of school:

Annika and Taryn tonight on the 101st day of school (doesn't she look so much older?!):