Braylee

I always know when Easter’s coming. The air gets warmer, I get to go outside more, and people just seem happier. That’s how it starts. When I was younger, it was the decorations that gave it away. Little bunnies, colorful baskets, and my favorite—the ceramic eggs Mom made herself—would pop up all over the house. She’d put them in all the usual places, and I’d go around checking every one, just soaking it all in. But the biggest clue of all was the plastic tablecloth. Once that crinkly thing...

Whew — what a day! I woke up thinking it was just a regular morning, but then I heard footsteps and voices, and I knew something was up. And sure enough, there she was... Braylee, one of my favorite nieces! She’s always been the little one. The littlest niece. Smaller than me, even. But now somehow she’s like two feet taller than me?? When did that happen?? Ugh. Unbelievable. But she still has the same excited energy I remember, and of course, I gave her a big “Danielle” hug right away. Mom...

It’s getting colder. That means I get to wear my puffy pink jacket (my favorite one) and my boots! (I wear those all the time anyway though) Sometimes there’s even a big leaf pile waiting for me at Mom and Dads too, and I go right in! But my favorite part about this time of year is the wagon rides. When we go up to the cabin, Mom and Dad bundle me in blankets and pull me along the dirt road. Sometimes the nieces and my brother or sister are there too. Everyone walks together, and I get to be...