Avrie (6 and in kindergarten) does everything her older sisters do, but she isn't a follower. She's a full fledged member of our family team who just happens to come in a munchkin body.

Her greatest asset is her memory. Of her we've said countless times, "How did you remember that?" Her favorite book is Birds of North America, A Guide to Field Identification. She and I discuss the differences between partridges and pheasants. It's disconcerting when you hear your daughter say things like, "No, Dad, that's a titmouse."

Avrie helps out by doing odd jobs. She can skin a potato and shred cheese. (That sounds oddly off-color, doesn't it?)

Like her sisters, Avrie likes to make money. To help out Dad, she puts stamps and stickers on postcards. Her bank account is currently bigger than his.

Like money, Avrie makes friends easily. I just begin to remember the name of her newest best friend when she tells me she has a new one.

Avrie is into Bratz--dolls with big eyes and attitude. Luckily she doesn't emulate the attitude. She's a very sweet little girl who is always in a good mood.