Ashley's Eleventh Birthday Bash

Today Ashley is eleven. That is so incredible. She is now almost as tall as Grandma Claudia. Ashley is in fifth grade this year, which is unbelieveable to me, since I was just in fifth grade myself.

It seems like I just met you Ashley. You were so cute and so smart at four years old. I met you in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with the help of a little brown teddy bear. It was the day your mom and dad got married.

I hate being so far away from you. I wish I could be close to you every day. One of my most favorite memories is being at the American Girl store and restaurant in Chicago with you. Another favorite memory is when we read the story "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" together at your house. I love the memories of making cards together, and I remember making paper dolls together.

Ashley, every memory of you is a happy one. I wish I could be there to celebrate this special day with you. Grandpa Ed and I love you so very much. Since we can't be there today, you will have to take your Ashley book off the shelf and read it, and remember how much we love and miss you.

Grandpa Ed and Grandma Claudia