Six-ish

We planned to embrace the small, family party this year for birthdays, but then we discovered we'd be out of town for Grace's birthday. So we thought it would be fun to have a little party with some friends we don't get to see often.

Some dear friends allowed us to use their office so we'd have a little more space to party than in our hotel room. Here's Grace using the local sign for "6".

The party participants enjoyed a little lunch before cake time.

This is a familiar sight now and seems to be coming more quickly each year. Six years old already.

I found a pinata cheaply on the local version of e-bay. I'm now a big fan...fun times were had by all with only one slight injury. Yes, where there are no bats we improvise with a broom.

Candy!

This year, Grace could read her own birthday cards. :)

We are thankful for sweet friends who shared this day with us...

Grace, I say this every year but this past year has been my absolute favorite. From your big imagination to the way you crack me up with your many uses of the word, "chill-ax," you are getting to be a big girl. You love deeply and have a hard time saying goodbye, as evidenced once again by the tears shed when we had to leave new friends you bonded with for a few days. You keep me on my toes daily with all your questions. You absolutely love to learn. I'm pretty sure it's only a matter of time before you know more than I do. The other day you asked me what it means to multiply numbers, and when I explained the concept to you, you picked it up quickly since you've learned to skip count 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s. It's been fun to see you and Trinity become much closer this year, and I've watched you grow in patience, service and kindness toward her. The Lord be praised, you two really do love each other.

On your birthday this year, you told me you don't feel very "six-y." "SAY WHAT?" I asked. And you said, "Yeah Mom, I don't feel very six-y yet. I still feel 'five-y'." After I let out a big sigh of relief I said, "How 'bout we say six-ish?!"

I love you Grace. I'm so thankful to be your mom.

 

DONE!

The school year is officially over around here, so it's time to celebrate!

I'm really proud of my big girl; she's had a great year. She's reading and writing, can tell time and count money, will tell you how to find a perimeter, and has some fun facts about space she'd be happy to share with you at any moment.

Here she is signaling for you that she's DONE with kindergarten! She's so happy to be a big

first-grader.

When I asked Grace how she wanted to celebrate the last day of school, she said she wanted to have her good friend Luke over to eat cake with her. Sounded great to me! 

I'm not gonna lie; there were a few days this year when we both felt like this.

But the majority of days we were smiling, having fun, and learning together.

Grace has truly been a joy to teach. I think I'm getting hooked on this home school thing. And it's a good thing since it's our only option right now. Bring on first grade!!