happy birthday, sweet maria ann

Thanks to Pinterest for this fabulous balloon idea, and thanks to Aunt Kristi and Uncle Mike for this crazy 'tent' that they now sleep in!

to my sweet little girl of 6

::You love to read.  You were comfortable reading familiar Dr. Suess books before the start of Kindergarten, but now... holy moly!  You read anything and everything that comes your way.  You love to curl up and read about the adventures of Marley, Skippy Jon Jones, Nate the Great, Little Critter... anything involving animals or fairies or critters, and especially natural disasters!

::You are full of expression... and determined to be an artist.  You ask me questions such as, "What kind of house should I paint in when I'm an artist?  It will have to be big enough for Camille and Lila to paint with me," or "If I'm going to be an artist, I need to start selling my art so I can make money."  I love your brain.  I love learning about the thoughts and visions in your head through the work of your hands.

::You are never happier than when you're outside - searching for silk worms, digging in the dirt, planting something that will grow and need care, sitting and painting, playing with friends, and most of all, collecting treasures (a pen cap from the playground, a princess rock from a driveway, sticks, maple seeds... you get the idea!)

::Your birthday cake request this year was for a cheesecake.  (You've been requesting it since Dada brought one home for my birthday.)  You've also lined up your orders for the next 2 years - rainbow cake at 7, chocolate at 8.  I love this little birthday tradition, planning and making cakes/cupcakes together.  However, this year was quite fun.  You wanted the cake to be a surprise.  :)

Waiting for guests to arrive - a little ear-holding-sister-loving.

The night before, Maria promised to let Camilly help open presents and blow out her candles.  

::You are the kindest most considerate big sister I've ever met.  You love love LOVE your little sisters.  It absolutely melts my Mommy-heart.  You're almost always willing to stop what you're doing to help them or fetch things for them.  You're always bummed when they don't come along on an outing.  They are always part of your stories and drawings.  You are a beautiful gift of a big sister to them.

We finally made use of backup colored bubble blower... made all the more fun on such a windy day.

::Oh how you have blossomed and grown (literally!) during this first year of school.  I was admittedly a bit worried about our choice to opt out of Pre-K.  During a conference with your teacher, she was astounded that you hadn't attended Pre-K.  She said you are always ready to help, write on the Smart Board, or answer any question that is asked of you.  I saw your confidence first hand when I sat in on your Author's Circle and listened to you share your story.  You read loudly, full of expression, and looked up at your classmates when sharing pictures.  I could've cried, I was so proud of you!

Little Lila just hung out soaking up all the noise and commotion... cute as could be.

::You have a sweet and gentle spirit.  You love to laugh.  You love to dream.  You love to dance and be silly.  You love routine.

::Your favorite color is pink.  Your best buddy is Alex.  Your favorite food is macaroni and cheese.  Your favorite Sonic 'drink' is a vanilla shake.  And you look forward to Friday pizza and a movie night all week long.

Excuse my attempt at using the tripod... Heads chopped off and all, I still love this pic with our big 6 year old (and her silly little sister!)

::You are our little 'blowing flower' - free and beautiful and everything wonderful.  I love you, silly goose.