Catherine Elizabeth aka KATIE!

Katie is our 8th grandchild and 3rd granddaughter.  Yesterday she turned 15!

Katie was born at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo the second of 4 children and the only girl.

Katie is a very important part of this very large family.

And an even more important part of this smaller family.

Here she is 'through the years'.

Although these pictures clearly show how beautiful she's always been on the outside, they don't tell the whole story about Katie because she's also beautiful on the inside.  She's helpful, loving, kind, and smart.  For example, we were visiting about a year and a half ago and went to an awards ceremony.  You can imagine our pride as we watched her walk across that stage multiple times to collect her medals.

She's also very athletic.  With her height and physical prowess, she's a natural for volleyball.  I mean I'd shudder to think of being on the receiving end of a serve like this.

 And then I can't imagine trying to get around a block like the one she's putting up here.

But she's good in other sports too as you can see by these candid shots of her as a young football star.

And there is so much more to love about Katie.  She's the sweetest, nicest, most fun-loving girl in the world.  She's naturally poised and polite, and is an asset to any group or gathering.  We love her very much and although this post is a day late it's no less heartfelt.  We're wishing her a year full of dreams come true and amazing new experiences.  Happy Birthday, Katie, just a little late.  We love you very much and couldn't be more proud of you!

P.S. I have to give photo credits to Dave, Katie's dad, because many of the best shots in this post we captured by him!