Charlotte is 15
Today we celebrated Charlotte’s 15th birthday.
Last week, Charlotte and I ventured out to the Cincinnati Nature Center to take her annual birthday pictures. She had a long day at school, full of the typical things. Between band and Spanish and geometry and everything else, she stays pretty busy. Always a test to study for or a symphonic band chair test just around the corner. I had an important work call late in the afternoon and that day was the only day in the forecast that wasn’t rainy or just plain cold. Ollie had soccer practice later that night, so that gave me and Charlotte a brief window to get these pictures taken.
Life is busy. Sometimes the calendar just rules our lives. And it is all good stuff. But it is just busy.
I remember times when Charlotte was 2 years and under, before Ollie arrived, and we’d get to spend hours together. Going on walks in the neighborhood. Eating breakfast at Chick-fil-A and playing on the playground. Singing songs, car rides, watching tv, etc. Don’t get me wrong, we still get those moments, but the other day, for 45 minutes, while taking these pictures, it felt like she was 2 again.
I don’t think that we saw one other human at the nature center. The weather was perfect. And for just a little while, time slowed down and we just got to hang out. Yes, we had a job to do. There was a task to be completed, but it was fun.
As you look at these pictures I hope you can see the confidence that she has. She has never been afraid of anything. She can be quiet at times, but she’s ready to take on the world. She knows who she is. She knows what she wants. I don’t worry about her. She’s level-headed. She’s strong. She’s kind and thoughtful. And today, she’s 15!
Happy Birthday Charlotte Gray!
