My baby is six! Seriously, how did that happen??? On August 30, it will be five years since we got on a plane to go to China to bring Clara home. A couple of weeks ago we celebrated her sixth birthday. Last week she started kindergarten. And look at her, she looks so big and grown up!
For Clara's birthday she got to pick what she wanted to eat. She chose Freddy's. She always chooses Freddy's. So, off we went with Papa Ken, Nini, Kendra and Kelsey to Freddy's. Who wouldn't love a greasy hamburger (or hot dog in Clara's case) and some skinny fries with ranch dressing? No one here was complaining! Unfortunately, Buddy had his first ever high school cross country practice during dinner, so he missed out. But we waited for him to come home to have cake with our friends the Merideths and the Surrittes. Clara was so happy to get an Ivy doll and some new clothes for Judy for her birthday. Papa and Nini and the girls gave her lots of art projects. And my "bestie" Christine and the Merideth clan gave her a microphone. Yes, people, I said my "bestie" gave my child a microphone. I might add that last Christmas they gave her a darling book that they recorded the story in...love that...but it has no volume control. Harrison woke up on Christmas morning saying "do you know what I woke up to...the sound of Christine's voice!" A couple years ago I believe it was an "educational toy" that TALKED....LOUDLY! They think I'm old and I won't remember....but I remember.
For Clara's friend party we planned a swim party. Now, it has been over 100 degrees here for something like 45 days. We haven't had rain in a coon's age (whatever that is). But the morning of the party date...it stormed. And it rained and stormed and was cloudy all day. So, I moved the party to our house. Where of course, the sun promptly came out and the skies were blue. Clara is pretty easy going, she was tickled to have the party here and when I told her I'd decorate some tables and put games on them, she told me, "Or....I could sing!" Did I mention she got a microphone for her birthday? Anyway, I digress! So all her buddies came here, we ate cake, opened presents, played Hungry Hungry Hippo (which her brother gave her for her birthday...and I might mention is also quite loud!), and turned 'em loose outside to run, blow bubbles and play. I have to admit, it was fun! I love a yard full of kids! There is just nothing like it. There were the flower pickers, who blew bubbles and giggled. And there were the tag players, who chased, tagged, and giggled. And at the end of the evening, there was one very, very happy six year old.
Then, before we knew it, kindergarten started. Clara was so excited to get Mrs. Hawkins as her teacher since Harrison also had her. And it was a bonus to have her buddy Jack and a few other friends in her class. She told me she was excited to get to make new friends in kindergarten. She was just as happy as could be to start school. No fears, no tears. She is such an adaptable kid! She never ceases to amaze me. I'm one of the few people who is glad we still have half-day kindergarten at our school. I'm afraid first grade is going to come way too soon. But like I tell Clara, we are going to enjoy six every day that you are six until you turn seven. And we will!
Seems I was just shopping for some special birthday jammies for a certain one-year-old who hadn't met her mommy and daddy yet. Time flies!
ReplyDeleteNext time we come down, Lucy and Ivy will have to come with us...(but we might leave Lovey Bunny at home!) What a party that will be!
Hugs to the birthday girl.