'If you must look back,do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present... gratefully.' -Maya Angelou
Remember the microscope you got for your 7th birthday, Ry; both you boys loved it. That day we found a dead fly, you both were quick to rip off his wing & stick it under the scope...eager little scientists.
Remember that day we walked to Holiday Beach, us five & your cousin Myla. It was so refreshing to be outside, you guys all running around & soaking up that sweet salty air. 
Remember when our chickens started laying eggs, shortly before Christmas. Their production increased little by little & before long, we had a dozen eggs. Ry, you're always so excited about those eggs & have told us a few times, "it's like they're giving us a gift!" 
Remember your 7th birthday, Ry, filled with parties, friends, family, cakes, cupcakes, lots of snacks, sushi & presents, along with seven polka-dotted balloons.
Remember that scooter you got for your birthday, from Nanny & Papa. You were so excited- you proclaimed, 'it's just I wanted!'
Remember all those lollipops that littered the house, post-birthday party. Ella, you thought they surely must all be for you- & then we'd find piles of opened lollipops. It was sticky. 
Remember that Skylander sticker book you got, Ry; you've looked at every single day for the past month. The stickers cover your desk, telling us exactly who these Skylander's are (but really, I still have no clue). 
Remember that day I came home from grocery shopping with all that yogurt, all three of you dug into it quicker than I could put it away...by the time you started your third one, Covey, you'd had enough. I'm not sure how many half-eaten yogurts I consumed. 
Remember how you always wanted to be in the bathrooms with your brothers, Ella...& then while Covey sat on the toilet, you quickly emptied the q-tips.
Remember that unicorn I got you Ella, to spray paint for a decoration in your someday room. Instead it's been sitting in the hallway as your necklace holder, & every time you see it you shout 'Nay!!!!!!' so excitedly!
Remember your dream catcher, Covey, you desperately wanted it; we all hoped it'd help with your bad dreams. At this point, I'd say results are 50/50. 
Remember that day we went to the beach for lunch; Covey, you & I found 'treasures' & decided to make faces out of them. You were so excited about it, & so determined to have happy faces on them.