Does anybody recognize this child?

My niece, Beth. Or should I say "mini me." I used to get so offended when she would do something bad and my sister and mother would exchange knowing glances and say, "Who does THAT remind you of?" Hrumph..I wasn't ALWAYS bad!!!

Yesterday, she got her report card and was so excited. Her grades are awesome and she even got an "S" in conduct. I am always so proud of her when she gets her grades. Beth is such a good little student.

It is so hard to believe that she is going to be 9 years old in a couple of weeks. Where does the time go? How is it possible that I can still picture her as a baby girl walking up and down the beach in her swimsuit or sitting in her playpen banging pots and pans together. I can still hear her squeals of laughter and her little tiny feet across the tile floor at the cabin.

The other week I asked her what she wanted for her birthday. She had to think for a few seconds but her answer was firm. "You. I want you to come home to visit me for my birthday, Auntie." Well, I am a'comin'. I bought my plane ticket the other day and will be arriving to help you celebrate your birthday eating the cake that Grammy makes and sitting by the pool with all of your friends!!!

Thank GOD it's not another slumber party!!!