Happy Birthday, Devon

I realized that my baby sister is turning 21 today.


There's something really odd about that. I guess that means that she's not a baby anymore.

So my birthday gift to Devon today is a special birthday post wherein I do my best to embarrass her with as much love as possible.

Let's talk about my favorite Devon memories:

Curly, blond 'fro baby. We called Devon our Afro-baby because of her AWESOME curly blonde hair. I used to take pictures of her just because I thought she was so cute.

Nudity without shame. Don't we all remember the time Devon presented herself naked in front of the Elders (missionaries). Their faces were so bright red! Devon's little naked tush was so dang cute. She was what, ten years old? J/K. I think she was four. ;-)

Bush-traversing. I remember driving down the hill towards Devon's elementary school hoping to find her and take her with me on an errand. I saw her little curly blonde head and pulled over to grab her. I guess she didn't recognize the car...because her self-preservation instincts jumped into full gear. Quick as a wink she was in the neighbor's bushes, out of sight! Way to avoid a kidnapping, Dev!

I'm too young! Devon was so cute when she found out I was having my first baby. She cried. She didn't think she was old enough to be an aunt. I guess she recognized the grave responsibility that aunt-hood confers upon you. Since then, she's done an awesome job. My kids love their Auntie Devon!

Mother's Helper. I'm sad to say that I missed a lot of Devon's growing up years because I was gone raising my own family. Devon, however, has always been so willing to babysit for her sisters, that I think my kids know her better than I do. She's helped my kids know what the "cool" music to listen to is. She kept me company for six weeks several years ago. It was supposed to be a fun vacation. Instead, I was unexpectedly sick with morning sickness AND it was incredibly foggy that summer, so I think Devon's fun summer by the beach was a bit of a wash-out. But she didn't complain. I know I definitely appreciated having her there.

So....... Happy Birthday baby sister! I love you!