I remember, when I was little, I would try to imagine what I would be like when I turned 16. Would I look different? Would I act different? Will I have changed much? Would my family be the same? Who would my friends be? Would I have a booyyyfrrriiieend? What would I do for my 16th birthday?
I guess I have my answer now! Let’s examine.
Since I can remember I’ve been asking myself this question. Since then….
I got a Dennis and a Rennen, a Giancarlo (and his family: Pietro, Elsa, Giampiero, etc.), a Pumpkin and a Patches, lived in more than 6 houses, traveled to Europe, Mexico, Canada, back and forth from Seattle to California, went to junior high and met my best friend Ana, rode horses, played piano, started playing violin, went to high school, started working with ICU, met Jacob, moved in to my current house with my grandparents (as well as my dad, Giancarlo, Diego, and Ini), took a trip to DC to lobby congress to end the war in Uganda, got a new baby nephew/brother Daniel Elijah, and that’s just the beginning.
I’m still very similar. I was always artistic, always lost in thought, always a little crazy.
I’d like to hear what people who have seen my grow up have to say…how have I changed? How am I the same?
I will post birthday weekend pictures within the next few days. :]
Oh Happy Sweet Sixteen Amelia! I look at those pictures and cannot believe how little everyone is. Where did that all go? We love you and hope you have a fantastic day. We will miss spending it with you but know you have much more exciting plans probably. See you on Tuesday!
p.s. enjoy looking at your new car!!!!!! What a lucky girl you are indeed! You deserve it.
Mom
That innocent little girl who was goofy has grown up. You used to never be serious about anything. Just curious and exploring the world. I remember us going to Disneyland for your 5th birthday and then going to Magic Mountain with you. It was fun. It has been fun to see you grow up. Remember I used to scare the monsters out of your room at night? I had to protect you from them by clearing them all out.
You were always outside playing when we lived in the little yellow house. Remember that one time you got in trouble for sliding down the slide without your pants on? What’s the next fun thing to do!
I never thought you would be so serious. You are smart and I am proud of you. I can’t believe sometimes how much you do and how much stuff means to you. That is really important to me as one of your fathers.
Remember the huge pile of slugs and all the bugs you collected? What happened to those interests? Never afraid of any of it! Grossed your poor mother out!
I love you a lot. Just as plain as that. I love you and care about you very much.
Happy Birthday!
Dennis
I can already tell that Dennis’ comment is my favorite!
That made me cry.
YOU ROCK, LITTLE GIRL!
I love you so much.
Dad
Well, I haven’t known you since you were wee…though some of those shots are FAN-tastic…like the one with you and your dad and the girls…Amelia…sweet do. You should think about it again…now that you’re going to be 16 and all.
Sooooo, nothing says “Happy Birthday” like a documentary on human slave trade…Mrs/Mr M and I want to take and a friend of your choice (read: Ana) to see Call and Response…
I’m kidding (unless you want to drive…we’ll put our lives in your hands).
the filmmakers got another week long showing and it goes away again next Thursday.
We can grab a quick bite and then cruise down to the Lemmle in Westwood (?-I think that’s where it is again).
Want to? Let me know…it would be November 20th night time… you can even drive if you’d like
Happy Golden Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have grown up so beautiful.
I remember thinking that you would be when you were just a chubby little baby… and yes you were a tub. Who would have thought then that you would end up the most lithe and graceful of us all? You could see that you picked up some of the best traits of both of your parents even back then.
I remember you lifting your head and looking up at me with those big eyes and huge smile before you could even crawl.
That smile still stands out. Somewhere I have a picture of you with that same smile as you cross the finish line of a bigwheel race. Even back then you knew how to love life. Your face is glowing, your feet are sticking strait up in the air and you are enjoying every second.
Use that same zest for living throughout the rest of your life. Remember that it is about finding the joy in the small things. It is about love and being loved. It is about serving your fellow man and enjoying the satisfaction that you may have made a difference to someone somewhere.
I am always amazed at how many traits you share with Luke both in personality and interest. In many ways you are twin spirits. You are both here for a reason and will make a difference in life. Chanel those talents. They will be a benefit to mankind if you let them.
I miss you. Wish you were here with us but have a wonderful weekend!
Aunt Lori
PS Do you remember when you were little, how we used to try and sneak away just the two of us? You would say take me to get gum.
You liked gum but I would usually talk you into a candy necklace. I miss the one on one. Next time…. the gum is on me 
Happy Birthday today!
I could tell you all sorts of rocking things about you and how cool I think you are and they would all be 100% true…but let’s cut to the chase…what did you get?
Happy Birthday Amelia Bedelia!!! (I know I’m a day late, sorry!) I cannot believe you are sweet 16. Yes, you are still very similar to the sweet baby girl I still think of you as. And you have the same bright and beautiful smile. Since I only get to see you maybe once year or so, it always amazes me how very grown up you are. You are a beautiful person inside and out. Love you
– Jenalyn
Oh Amelia happy birthday to you. I can’t believe it has been 16 years and a day since you were born. (i know i am late on this. sorry)
You are such a sweet girl. Everyday i think to myself what is my sister doing today? how is she changing the world right now? I can’t imagine how you are going to change the world in your lifetime. Happy birthday Amelia.
Go sit in your car and have fun.
Hilary
Sad, the pictures don’t show up on my computer! But I do want to say again, Happy Sixteenth Birthday! What a list of accomplishments and experiences! I did not have such a brag sheet as that when I was 16!
And I loved reading about you and the bugs and pant-less sliding. Awesome.
Mrs. M
The older pictures you posted is exactly how I remember you. I always felt like you and I shared a special bond. My time in California was so much fun because you were with me. It was not easy for me in high school but spending time with you helped me through it. When I moved away and went on a mission you doubled in size. Suddenly you were not the little Amelia that I remember from those pictures, but I still love you the same. I only wish we were as close as we used to be. I love you to death Milly and I always will.
Bruncle Paul