6

Totally decked out in a Birthday Boy shirt, an "I'm 6 Today" sticker, and a birthday crown, this kid was ready for school this morning!!!!

 

 

 

 

Old enough to have his birthday announcement in the Washington Post's Kids Post!

 

 

 

 

And finally his turn to have a big party at a venue with LOTS of friends!!

 

 

It was a great turnout, despite some pretty nasty weather.  We had a few cancellations, but still ended up with a great crew!  Because of the questionable weather, I had emailed parents in the morning to let them know that we were going ahead with the party, but I understood if they were unable to make it and to put their own personal safety first.  Some comments I got back were "Oh, we're totally going to be there!"  "My son told me there is no way we are going to miss Evan's party!"  So whether it was because Evan is just so popular, or because the lure of Jump-N-Jimmy's is too irresistible for kids and parents on a snowy Sunday afternoon, it doesn't really matter.  Evan had a fantastic time, and I think he was pretty pleased that all those kids were there to celebrate HIM.

Evan, you're a star.  You're funny, smart, creative, and snuggly.  So much fun to be around.  I'm so excited for how well you are doing in school - YOU ARE READING!!!! - and how interested you are in learning as much as possible.  This year will be EPIC for you!!

Happy 6th Birthday Ev!!  Love you so much! xoxo

4

No longer a baby.  This is my big girl.  My 4 year old.

 

 

 

In the morning, with her long, messy mane sitting across from me at the kitchen table. Who wouldn't want to share breakfast with this kid??  Except maybe when she pulls this face....

 



 

 

 



 

In a rare moment that she actually keeps a headband on.  She much prefers two pony tails.

 

 

In moments of wildness, running around with the crowd at the bouncy place.  But it usually doesn't last too long before she just wants to hang with mommy in the sitting area.

 

 

 

In moments of compliance when mommy forces her to pose with her brothers. They all look so thrilled, don't they?

 

 

 

 

In moments of pure, pink quirkiness.  I just want to eat her up with a spoon!!

 

This is my daughter. I am intrigued, mesmerized, and perplexed by her all at once.  This is my daughter who wants to put on a princess dress and run around playing zombies with her brothers. This is my daughter who, almost from day one, learned every button I had to push.  This is my daughter. She is smart and strong willed and independent, and I'm pretty sure she'll never take any crap from anyone.

 

This is my daughter.

 

May she always make someone smile at breakfast, and get a reason to smile in return.  May she always have a strong sense of what she wants.  May she always have fun in a crowd, yet still enjoy the quiet moments.  May she always be close with her brothers while still keeping them in line.  May she always keep a little pink in her life.

 

Happy Birthday, Madelyn, my sweet, precious girl!!