Anna Catherine Turns 15!

15 years ago today, our first child and the first grandchild on both sides, was born! She came on her grandpa's birthday (Paul Thompson) while he and Mom were in Cuba. I remember being so excited to have "the baby" in our life though I was apprehensive about the parenting journey. We did not know what gender AC was, we wanted God's surprise. She came into the world on her own time schedule of 13 hours labor with much pushing and pain. Yet the moment they brought her up to see face to face - it was a moment too big for words - only tears could express the overwhelming joy. A daughter so precious!

We named her 'Anna' which means full of grace and 'Catherine' meaning 'pure'. It was our prayer for her to be a woman full of grace, pure and true.

We see God fashioning her into that woman and we are still excited with God's surprise of her to us. She is affectionate, fun, adventurous, creative and giving. She's a tremendous big sister and great friend. If you've ever talked to her you know, she thoroughly enjoys talking a mile a minute.

She's being pushed over here in England academically, relationally, and spiritually. Though there is still lots of 'parenting' going on and redirection, we are thrilled with the ways we see her growing.

For her birthday and as part of their mid term break, we went to Glasgow, Scotland, 2.5 hours away to an indoor ski place with ropes course and rock wall center. We had a session on the ropes course which was a first for all of us. We dangled five stories high in harnesses. AC, Julieanne and Dennis seemed to have no fears but Nathan and I were hesitant after they flung us on the zip line and we headed for the suspended rock wall. Anna Catherine met her challenge when we moved to the free fall. You stepped off a platform and 'fell' 5 stories with a gentle landing at the very end. She faced her fears and with a loud and long scream took the leap of faith off the platform.

We enjoyed dinner at a Tony Roma's and splitting this chocolate volcano among the five of us. The next day we returned to give a try at snowboarding in the indoor ski place. Too bad we don't live closer - it would be a good place to learn.

When we return to the States for a visit this July , Anna Catherine will get her driver's permit and we'll try to get as much driving practice in before returning to England. (Obviously, she won't be practicing her driving over here - I have a hard enough time)

15.....She's growing up!