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.