Happy 3rd Birthday, Elise!

Elise turns 3 years old today. In her honor, here are a few things you may not know about her:

1. Elise is a great food sharer. Even when eating her most coveted foods (like chocolate pudding and M&Ms), she'll offer you the last bite.
2. She is an outdoor girl through and through. She loves to play in Grandpa S's birdseed and in Grandma K's gravel garden path. She's quick to dig in sand, wood chips and whatever else she can get her hands on. She also loves to ride her bike, blow bubbles and play ball.
   
3. Elise is a pickier eater than her father. She will only drink milk and water (no juice or pop, even if offered). She loves tomato soup, pasta and rice. She'd rather not eat anything good for her.
4. She is a great big sister. She loves Julia immensely and is miserable she can't play with Julia when she's sick.
5. Elise might be part monkey. She scales the rock wall and other climbing equipment at the playground likes she's been doing it all her life. She loves to chase Briscoe and wrestle with Daddy.
   
6. She has an impeccable memory. Elise can remember details of events from a long time ago and knows where everything is at in each of her grandparents' houses (including the cookies and treats). She also has some of her Curious George books memorized and can recite them word for word.
7. Elise is very friendly from a distance (saying hello to anyone walking on the sidewalk). But if you get too close, she becomes very shy and takes a while to warm up.
8. She has recently discovered that baking with Mama means licking the beaters from the mixing bowl. She's quick to offer her 'help.'
9. Like her Mama, she requires lots of sleep, yet she really hates taking naps (I love them!). She can quickly turn into a grumpy bear and drama-queen if she is sleep-deprived.
10. She is a bright, articulate, funny little girl. She knows what she wants and how she wants it done (my way or the highway) and can negotiate for anything. The twinkle in her eye and her silly smile make saying 'no' a hard thing to do.