Emilia Is Six

We recently celebrated Emilia's sixth birthday.  My baby is growing up.

Commenting on her tea set gift, "I have tiny cup present." 

Emilia's actual birthday happened to be a day off school for the girls, so Craig and I arranged for a visit at a firehouse where our friend Bryan is a full-time firefighter.  Given Emilia's current interest in firetrucks, we knew she would love this surprise.  After some initial hesitation, she had so much fun.  And she told us many parts of the firetruck: wheel, hose, ladder, ax, crowbar...

A ride around the block in a real firetruck

Trying on Bryan's equipment

After lunch and a nap pit stop at home, we headed to a local pumpkin patch.  We weren't actually all that interested in the pumpkins, but came mostly to ride the wagons which were pulled by tractors, another one of Emilia's favorite things at the moment.  We had such a good time on a gorgeous fall day riding around a big farm.  They also had several tractors parked and Emilia climbed onto all of them and pretended to drive.   She kept singing her little tractor song, too.  I think the tractors were the biggest hit of the day for her.

On the hayride

We decided to keep Emilia's party with family and friends small and low key at a local park in early afternoon.  Our theme was "You Color Our World."  I made a garland and party favors from paint cards I picked up for free at Lowes.  Our supplies were crazy colorful and the DF chocolate cupcakes had rainbow sprinkles.  We also served banitsa, a traditional Bulgarian dish, and fresh fruit.  We had some paint on hand for anyone interested, but mostly the kids played away on the playground.  We asked our guests to wear their most colorful outfits which everyone did.

Happy birthday, sweetest girl.

We treasure your hugs and kisses, your giggles

and your unstoppable big belly laughs at life's slapstick moments.

We see your beauty, inside and out,

your compassion for others,

your talent for bringing happiness and smiles to those around you.

We know when you scream in frustration or disagreement

it's because you have more to share than you're able to verbalize.

We're always listening to your words and your heart.

We love you just the way you are.