Growing up indeed. But thankfully not too much.

Around 3 years old Hope started asking me to get her ears pierced.

And in my personal opinion 3 was too young. 

Then at 4, I pushed her off again for another year.

 This summer she pushed it even more, and I just kept saying no.

And then on Friday night, I just decided it was time to say yes.

I wish I could have captured that moment on video, because it was PRICELESS.

She screamed and then broke into tears!! I asked her why she was crying and she said she was just SO HAPPY, that she couldn't help it.

Oh my goodness.

So, it was settled. On Saturday morning, we would head to the mall and FINALLY get her ears pierced. 

By 6:30 a.m. she was bouncing me awake, ready to get the party started! 

And seeing as how the mall doesn't open until 10:00, we had some time to kill. So, we loaded up and headed to the farmers market.

Paul and I were thrilled to look at fresh vegetables....

While the kids, just drug behind us.

I just can't help it.

I'm old and pumpkins excite me.

And the kids tolerated us and our non-sense as long as they could.

But there was only one thing on the mind of this one.

And up until we walked into the store to get it done, I kept waiting for her to chicken out.

But she never wavered.

She picked out what she wanted...

And sat herself down. She was determined!

I saw glimpses of uncertainty...

And then when the girl gloved it up....

I could see the fear, but she sucked it up.

And I was a genius and decided we should video it. Um, let me just say, THIS IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS VIDEO E-VER. When Paul and I watched it, we looked at each other, and realized how stupid we sound! Between the two of us, we say, 'good/great job' 10 times in 54 seconds. WE ARE INSANE. But Hope is GREAT!

A sucker for her brave effort!

And here she is! My big girl!

Growing up indeed.

But thankfully not too much.