Every July I open the virtual photo albums and reminisce over the last 365 days. I smile, I cry, I chuckle, I think about the “what if’s” and let those worries go, and count my blessings: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. I compile photos that articulate where each member of the V5 started the previous year and who they became. I add photos I know that they’ll cherish and sprinkle in a few that I know will make them cringe but smile inside. Then, I listen to countless songs trying to find the right one that I know they’d listen to and think, “yep that was me at 13.” My favorite part of building these collages is watching them one-on-one with each of them. We always catch little mistakes the first time through and they beg for me to take a photo out but they typically stay. Each one ends with a side hug and kiss on their head.

Join me as we look at Theo, Bella, Lily, Kali and Ellie over the last year!

Happy 13th Theo!

Happy 13th Bella!

Happy 13th Lily!

Happy 13th Kali!

Happy 13th Ellie!

Ellie’s audio: How to save a life: https://youtu.be/cjVQ36NhbMk?is=RGcdU_DVxLikDQpT