Dear Isabel,

Realize it or not, I was once just like you. All my clothes had sequins and I loved to sing songs and pretend be Sharpay from High School Musical, too. I am only eight years older than you, which is only a small gap in the span of a lifetime, but I do want to pass on the little wisdom I have gathered to you in hopes you stay innocent for as long as possible. I know it's selfish, but I don't want my baby sister to grow up too fast. ;)

Talkative is an understatement when comparing the seconds your little mouth is moving vs. the period of silence I hear when I am in your presence. You are always talking. This year, I had the pleasure of picking you up from your first day of school. As we walked home, I learned all about your day--from what you ate for lunch, to the new friends you made in class. I heard about your new classmates and teacher in such intricate detail, that although I have never myself met them, I am positive I could pick them out in a crowd of people. Never let anyone tell you that you are too loud. Never stop describing the world around you.

The confidence in your eyes brings a smile to my face when you pull your hair up in a high side pony and proudly walk into school, chin held up high. The way you strut when you dress yourself in a leopard sweater, rainbow leggings and sparkly cowgirl boots warms my heart. When you grit your teeth looking at your opponent during a track meet I can't help but laugh. Even when your seven-year-old hands can't resist stealing my makeup and making the bathroom counter a mess, you still fail to let me be angry with you. Never change for anyone.

I remember the day you came home from school, insisting that you were in love. His name was Jason; he was tall, smart and kind. Now, I never met Jason myself, but if he was all you cracked him up to be, he was the kind of kid I hope you really fall for when you grow older. I was so proud of you for looking for the right qualities in a boy--even if he was just another seven-year-old in your second grade class. Be careful when you grow older my lovely. Never give your heart to someone who does not deserve you.

I love my dazzling diva, my ray of sunshine, my sister and my best friend. :)