Natalie is 18!

 Natalie had a pretty grown up birthday this year since she had to work a 6 hour shift. We did get to have smoothie bowls in the morning before she left, though. Once she was done, we had her birthday dinner of really delicious fancy grilled cheeses and a blended veggie soup she loves. 

Then she opened her presents and we had homemade ice cream sandwiches and watched "Miss Congeniality". Hopefully she had a fun day.

I made this little collage of pictures for a social media post and I had so much fun looking for some of my favorite pictures of her:

I can't believe that little bald baby, and that little 6 year old reading a thick Harry Potter book is now an adult! Natalie had a big year for sure with graduating high school and starting college at CSI. She's really enjoying her classes so far and loves the plays they are putting on. She's also working hard at Dutch Bros. and is a very valued employee. She is a hard worker wherever she goes and whatever she does. She's also an excellent team player and works hard to include others and to help them be great. She was an excellent speech mentor to all the younger kids and gives great notes in drama. She is kind and a wonderful friend. Everyone gravitates to her because she is so fun to be around and isn't afraid to be silly or enthusiastic, and to just be herself. 

Natalie loves the seasons, especially fall and winter, and cozy foods and experiences. We love watching "Gilmore Girls" together in the fall and baking something or making a delicious soup. She loves a great sitcom--well-written characters and a good plot--and rewatches her favorites. She still loves a good book too and I love that she makes time to read good fiction. She's also getting into reading more plays and loves those too. I love hearing her analyze a story and getting to hear her thoughts about something she's read or watched. She loves playing board/card games and gets us all to play them, which I love. She is a wonderful sister and loves her siblings fiercely. 

We can't imagine life without Natalie and are so thankful that she's in our family!