ally's birthday

Our little Ally James turned 6 last month. Six.  Wow.  I was hardly used to saying I had a 5 year old. 

Six looks good on her though.  What an absolute joy Ally has been to our lives and everyone around her.  She is the sweetest, most caring, empathetic, thoughtful girl.  For such a tiny person, she has the biggest heart.  I am constantly in awe of her generosity towards others, and her eagerness to help anyone.  She is quick to meet other's needs, always aware of her surroundings and their feelings.  Her preschool teachers told me multiple times last year that Ally was "a friend to everyone in the classroom".  I was so proud of her.  They explained how most kids would connect with certain kids and form little friendships, while Ally was always aware of the kid who wasn't being played with and would be quick to join them.  It was such a wonderful thing to hear from her teachers.  She has such a sweet spirit. 

To start the celebration of her big day, I filled her bedroom with balloons, hung up the annual birthday banner, and put a couple of presents on her little table.  She loved it.  Still sleepy eyed, she opened her gifts grinning from ear to ear. 

Since her birthday fell on a school day, she got to bring the snack and be the class leader.  She couldn't wait for Dan and I to come to her class to bring treats.  We celebrated with ice cream cake pops (her choice) and little ice cream cups.  Her teacher Mrs. T, lets the kids pick out of the Birthday Box on their special day.  Ally chose a new coloring book.  She was thrilled. 

Dan promised Ally an annual tradition of picking her up from school on her birthday and taking her to lunch.  Hudson and I wanted to come so we met them for Mexican.  We had a nice lunch together, spending the time telling Ally all the fun things about being six.  10 years until she can drive, 30 years younger than daddy....

I let Ally pick whatever dinner and dessert she wanted for her birthday so she chose pepperoni pizza and ice cream.  Then I thought I better get some fun plates and napkins for dinner, I mean you can't have a birthday dinner without birthday plates!  Somehow those princess plates turned into a full on princess party.  She asked if Camryn could come over for dinner ....and then Jersey, and before you knew it, it was like a real party. 

Happy 6th Birthday Ally James!  You are so loved.