Grace's 6th birthday party

Grace had her 6th birthday party today.

It's so hard to believe how fast the years have flown by.

Grace adores her cake.

Her cake that she decorated.

We also had jello with little cutie boats.

Blue Bell ice cream.

And lots of kids swimming.

Swimming is the best.

Then the birthday girl blew out her candles.

And we ate cake.

And ice cream.

And opened presents.

Happy Birthday, sweet girl.  You are growing into such a beautiful little lady with such a kind and compassionate spirit.  You are always so patient with everyone.  When strangers come up and ask to touch your hair, you smile sweetly at them, shrug your shoulders, and say "Sure."  When your younger brother and sister start to fight over a toy, you step in and try to reason with them and make them both happy.  You are always the first to jump in and help if help is needed.  And I love our late night talks each evening where you tell me exactly what kind of birthday cake you want at your next birthday.  Your pink mermaid princess cake is something we have talked about every night without fail for the last 364 days.  And I know that tonight we will most likely talk about the cake you want next year and how many days away until you get to have another birthday party.   And I love how you tell me who your best friends are and all your secrets and every little thing that you think about.  I love helping you with your homework.  It's such a joy to hear you read all on your own and while you still need help with some of the big words that don't follow the rules, you are getting better every day.  There are so many, many reasons I am lucky to be your Momma. You make heart smile and I love you more than my heart can hold.  

Hippo Hooray! Faith is 3 today.

It's so hard to believe that Faith is three years old now.

It seems like each day she's a little more like a big girl instead of my baby.

Her favorite color is "pur-hull" (purple).

She loves all things tiny and looks forward to tickle time with her Daddy each evening.

Faith loves to cuddle, color, listen to stories, and watch "tee-bee" (tv). 

We let our girls watch a little Disney Junior right before bedtime each night.

And all she wanted for her birthday was a "pur-hull hipp-ah-mus tay-kkkk" (purple hippopotamus cake).  That's it. She asked for a purple hippopotamus cake for her birthday every day without fail for the last 10 weeks.  

For some reason Faith is slightly obsessed with hippopotamuses.  She even sings a little song about wanting a purple hippopotamus for her birthday...It goes to the tune of wanting a hippopotamus for Christmas song...

Before long it was time to bow out candles which Faith successfully accomplished on her first puff thanks to the help of her big sister, Grace.

Then she opened her presents.  Along with a butterfly necklace and Princess Candyland

Faith finally got her very own Baby Be Blessed dolly.

Who was promptly named "Lee-Lee" (Lily).  

Then we ate cake.  Although Faith only ate the "mahsh-ma-woah" (marshmallow) eyeballs and a bit of the icing.  She's never been one that really likes sweets.  She's more of a red meat and potatoes kind of girl.  She's the only kid that I know who will go to Chickfila and eat 1-2 nuggets and say she's full.  Then she'll trade in her toy for an ice cream cone (only because Grace wants a cone and Faith wants to be just like Grace) and then take 2 licks and say she's done.  So funny.

All in all, I think it was a pretty great birthday for my 3 year old.  

Happy Birthday Faith!   You are such a special little girl with a joyful and happy spirit.  Your smile alone lights up the room and everyone in it.  Even when you were a tiny little baby, strangers would walk up to you and start conversations just because they saw and couldn't resist your smile.  You are so full of laughter and you bring such happiness and sunshine to everyone around.   I have enjoyed every little moment with you over the past three years and I look forward to each and every day with you.  I love you more than my heart can hold and I am so grateful to be your Momma.