Ellie is 16!

Ellie turned 16!  This was a long anticipated day for her because she got to take her driver's test.  She was well prepared, she spent lots of time driving herself wherever she needed to go (with me in the car of course).  She also practiced a couple of times on Sunday going to the the DMV to parallel park.  When it came time to take her test, everything was set until they checked the lights for the test, and one of the back lights on the car was out.  We had to hurry and go buy a new light bulb and change it  out.  Ellie had made the appointment 4 months before her birthday, so she was really concerned that she wouldn't be able to take the drivers test on the day she had it scheduled.  We were able to easily change the bulb, and she was able to take her test.  She passed!  She was so excited!  As soon as we got home, she wanted to take the car and go driving with Jonas.  We went to dinner at Shogun with the family and Jonas, and then she went out and drove around by herself to visit all the places that give you free things on your birthday.  

We had talked about doing a birthday party for her, but then we mentioned that if she didn't want a party we would give her money and she quickly said that that is what she would want since the only reason she would want a party is so that her friends would give her money for her birthday.  

Unfortunately, her car was not ready before her birthday, but having her birthday definitely gave her motivation to get working more seriously on her car.  Hopefully it will be done soon!

Ellie is such a great addition to our family. Joe put it perfectly when he said that it is easy to spoil her because she asks so nicely and says thank-you for everything that you do for her.  She is fun to be around and makes you feel like she actually likes to be with you.  She always says "hi, queen!" when she sees me, which of course makes me happy to be around her.  When she walks in the front door she yells, "Hey," in a sing song voice so everyone knows she is there.  She doesn't do girl drama, and frequently distances herself from friends who have to be dramatic.  She is always busy- if she's not busy with school, track, or cheer, she has something that she wants to do with a friend.  When she's home, she will do anything you ask her without complaint. She keeps her bedroom and bathroom clean, does her own laundry and keeps on top of her homework.  We love her!