Weekly Wrap Up 1/24/2020-- Happy 18th Birthday!!!

Oh my goodness, our first born is now an ADULT!!  So exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time.  Firedrake has really come a long way these last few years and showing a softer and more mature side.  There were definitely times we weren't sure she would get there.  I can't believe that in 8 short months she will be moving away and living at college.  My husband and I are so excited for her but also know we will both be crying when we drive off and leave her behind at college.

I am posting one picture per year of her life below:)  It was so a joy to go thru the photos but so hard to pick just one for a specific year and post.

Firedrake was born Jan 22, she was 3 weeks late and spent the first three days of her life in the NICU as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck twice and had swallowed some meconium in the womb.  It was a scary few days after her birth.

Daddy and Grandpa went straight to work turning her into a Cardinals fans, unfortunately for them she is not a baseball fan but they seriously tried

Firedrake became a big sister at 2 1/2!!!

She always had a love for being read too and then reading for herself.   I remember reading and rereading books for hours on end with her. 

She was always active and loved being outdoors playing

She loved unicorns and all creatures of mythology.

She loved the water and began swim lesson very early.

We moved to the UK and she started riding lessons and homeschooling full time

going on a field trip at a local pizzeria with a UK home education group

We traveled around Europe and had many amazing adventures.  Here she is sharing an experience with a flat Stanley pal from the states.

We went to Tanzania for a safari--an amazing experience where we saw the big 5 in a simple 3 week trip

Participating in Viking re-enactment with her Dad

We returned to the US and she went to a Daughter Dad work day for the first day.  She has always been close to her Dad and he can do no wrong in her eyes.  Definitely a daddy's little girl

Firedrake has been playing the since she was 6 and won several Superior awards over the years.  It is something I hope she continues

Trying out Fencing which was a sport her Dad did in college

Becoming involved in anime and comic cons.  This is her first costume that she put together

Becoming more socially aware and participating in activities that mean something to her

becoming a driver last year and we gone 9 months with no accidents or tickets, whew:)

Every year for her Birthday she chooses a restaurant of her choice.  This year she wanted to go to the melting pot for her 18th birthday!  

It was so hard to choose pictures but I tried to find ones that represented her spirit as she grew up.  I can't believe she is heading off to college in less than 9 months!  We have come a long way.  She wants to pursue Creative writing, psychology and possibly Asian studies in college.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET DAUGHTER AND WELCOME TO ADULTHOOD!!!!

Mom, dad and MarioFan will always love you and support you in everything you to do.