Happy 6th Birthday Lily

I can not believe that my baby is 6 years old.  She has grown up to be one of the most caring, generous, thoughtful, witty, smart, silly, stubborn, frustrating, beautiful people I know.  Both Chip and I have noticed her mature a lot in the last few months.  She still has her moments, but overall the years of testing us and pushing boundaries seem to be behind us.  It is bittersweet for sure.   She is more willing to help out (except for when it comes to cleaning up toys -- still working on that) and she is always there for her little sister.  She takes amazing care of Dani and I couldn't ask for anything more.  I love her more than words can express.  She is my mini me and my baby!!

Of course this year was the first year that she really understood what her birthday was -- I mean, her actually birthday, January 4th -- not just her party day.  She'd been counting down on the calendar since New Years Day and couldn't wait for Friday the 4th!!  Of course, this was also the year that I got sick.  Really sick.  Pretty sure it was the seasonal flu and I was in bed all day Thursday.  I tried to rally and make her birthday special, but I was so tired and worn out.  I still have to make it up to her and I promised her I will!!  

 

We started the day by letting her open her presents before Chip had to go to work. 

Dani got her the Barbie Princess and the Popstar castle that Lily so desperately wanted.

We got her books, a few random things and a Kindle Fire tablet!!  She was pretty excited.

For breakfast, I let her choose whatever she wanted to eat -- so she enjoyed a delicious meal of vanilla yogurt and cheeze-its in the front room while playing with her castle.  This made her day and helped alleviate some of my guilt about being sick.

She also got a special birthday phone call from Minnie Mouse herself and a video from Minnie!!  Above the girls are watching the video.

 

In the  afternoon a birthday package with her favorite Junie B Jones books arrived from Aunt Karen and Uncle Bob!

Since I couldn't make it out and Chip wasn't feeling too hot himself, Grandma and Grandpa took her out.  She wanted to go somewhere to "play games".  So they took her to Dave and Busters at the mall.  They also went to the Disney store and rode the carousel before getting McDonalds.  I think it was the perfect outing for Lily!! 

My mom and Lily made her cake the day before and after she got home from partying with Grandma and Grandpa we blew out her candles and had cake.    I think all things considered, she had a pretty great birthday!  I can't wait for her party and birthday #2 when I am feeling better!!

Happy Birthday to my special princess!!  I LOVE you SO much!!!