Sullivan Sound Off: Has Anyone Seen This Little Girl?

Bryson Renee 1 year old

Dishes are fun!

Bryson and Uncle Trevor in 1994

I'm not sure how this happened. It really does seem like yesterday that I was taking Bryson to get her 1st year pictures taken! In fact, I had to go twice. The first time, she would not cooperate at all. So, I had to take her back the next day. We got exactly 1 picture out of her that time! Which really turned out well for me, because I got an adorable shot and didn't have to choose between 10 different adorable shots and end up paying a fortune because I just couldn't decide which one to buy! On the 4th of July, my little firecracker baby turned 15! Yes, I just said 15! She still has those beautiful blue eyes. But the blonde hair is gone. It turned dark blonde on its own, then Bry decided to dye it red. Bryson started the week off at Hanging Rock Christian camp. She was there from Sunday until the 3rd. It was actually her 2nd time there this year. She had gone the week before from Sunday-Tuesday to be a counselor for 3-4 graders. Anyway, she LOVES camp. She met some friends a few years back and they keep in touch by phone and computer and go to each others house from time to time. They live about an hour away. So, they always plan on going to camp at the same time. This year, her friend Jack that goes to her school also went. When Steve and I took her to camp, she was walking along beside us and we heard a shriek and she took off running into the arms of her friends. We were literally left in a cloud of dust! It's crazy because the first few years I took her, she clung to me until the last possible moment before I left. Now, all we are good for is carrying her luggage to her dorm! LOL! I picked her up the day before her birthday. As usual, she was exhausted, but not at all ready to come home. She had a pretty good birthday. It rained-a lot! So, we were all a little disappointed about that. Steve and I got her a ticket to the Vans Warped Tour concert that is on the 7th. It took some convincing to get her dad to let her go, but he finally agreed. So, on her birthday we met Mom, Ricky and Johnny in Lafayette, so Mom could let Bry pick out something for her birthday and so Bry could spend some of her birthday money. Most of her birthday money and the money she made working at the concession stands this summer, she is saving to take to the concert tomorrow. Anyway, our first stop was at Gordman's, Bryson's favorite store in the whole wide world! We were there for what seemed like forever, but she finally made her selection! Purple skinny jeans, 2 shirts, and 2 pair of neon knee-high socks. All for about $35! My girl knows how to shop. We then went next door to Famous Footwear so she could look at shoes. There she ended up with a pair of high top Converse Chuck Taylor's that were black and looked like they been written on with sidewalk chalk. They were half off, so she only spent $25! Next, we went to Sam's Club so we could buy fireworks for Steve to set off later that night. The big boy has to have his toys too! She chose to eat Texas Roadhouse on the condition that we did not tell them it was her birthday, because she didn't want anyone to sing to her! I thought we were heading home next, but she conned me into stopping at JC Penney's. She went straight to the clearance racks. There she ended up with a red pair of skinny jeans and 3 shirts. For only $29! I tell you after her last shopping trip and this one, her back to school wardrobe is looking pretty good! But if I know her, she'll con her way out of more stuff when it's back to school time. She knows all she has to do is bat those big eyes and flash a pretty smile and we're all mush in her hands! I am so thankful for this wonderful girl of mine. She is so unlike most teenage girls. She is so respectful, kind and compassionate. She's the kid that the adults know they can count on. I could brag for days on her. I don't how we ended up so lucky. All I know is, my little blonde haired, blue eyed baby girl has turned into quite a spectacular young lady!