Big Ol' Six Year Old!

Yesterday was Anna Kate's 6th birthday. It's hard to believe that we've had 6 years with her already. Six amazing years. Here are 6 of my favorite things about Anna Kate:

1.) That laugh of hers. It is the best sound on earth. From the first time we heard it in the church office in Crane, we were hooked and have been doing silly things ever since just to hear it one more time.

2.) Her ever-optimistic little personality. For example, she saved up her money for months and finally decided she was ready to spend it. She had $6 and we headed for the toy store. She finally decided on this very affordable (read: cheap-o) doll that came with a brush, an extra outfit and some hair clips. We got home and she unwrapped it. She read the sticker on the box and says, "Made in China...wow, Momma. They make GREAT stuff over there!" Then she began to brush her baby's hair and the brush part pulled off of the handle and stayed in the baby's hair. "Look, Momma!! It comes apart! I love this brush."

3.) Her songs. She makes up songs all day everyday. Our personal favorite is her tornado song, which goes like this: "We were all playing outside one day and it was bright and sunny. Then along came a tornado! Oh, no. And we all died...but that's okay because now we're all in Heaven praising our King." Of course, it's set to a catchy tune. It's one of her greatest hits. Her dancing would also fit in this category. She literally spins everywhere she goes.

4.) Her inquisitiveness. Questions, lots and lots of questions. And not questions that I would have ever thought of. She asks things like, "Momma, what does it feel like to be a momma?" "Momma, where did all of these words that we speak come from? Who thought of them all?" "Momma, why doesn't that word have a silent 'e' at the end. It needs a silent 'e'." Everyday she asks something that stumps us.

5.) Her willingness to help our family everyday. Whether it's me needing help getting the house picked up or dinner ready, or Max needs help while they're playing with their friends, or Jake needs someone to play puzzles with or read with, she cheerfully (well, most of the time) helps as much as she can.

6.) Her affection. She is so affectionate. It shows in the way she snuggles up with us or the way she looks at the people she loves with absolute admiration. It shows in the way she cares for her babies or her big brother or her little brother. She voices affection for her sister that she doesn't remember and talks about her/grieves her openly. It's beautiful to see.

Yes, we're crazy about her. Those are just a few of the reasons why.

We had a little party for her yesterday. We invited the neighborhood kids over for cake and ice cream and some bicycle fun. (The party idea came straight out of Family Fun magazine so don't think I just dreamed all this up). Anna Kate and I made a fun bicycle cake together. At the party, each kid made a name plate for their handle bars and put "motors" on their wheels like we used to when we were kids. Chad made a huge obstacle course in our cul de sac and they had a ball doing the challenges and having races. We had bubble wands for party favors and we ended the evening with seven kids twirling and whirling to make the most bubbles they possibly could. It was simple and cheery and a fun way to ring in Big Six!