Six Already???

Yes, my little girl turned 6 this past weekend. At first, we weren't going to do a big party (Which is a weakness of mine since I do get a lot of joy from planning and being pseudo-creative thanks to Pinterest). But as the date got closer, we decided to throw a party for her friends and some of ours that we hadn't seen in awhile due to our move. When we asked E-Pie if she would like a party, she said she did and wanted to do a party for charity like her brother did last year. Who could argue with that??? She wanted to donate toys to Toys for Tots instead of keeping them for herself. A friend at the party even asked her..."why do you not want any presents?" She responded with "because I already have enough." (Heart melts.) She was super excited about her party and with helping me plan for it. 

I had originally "promised" hubby, "no themes"...but I lied. I have a hard time planning things if it's not around some sort of theme. I know...I'm a freak! So we decided a rainbow theme would be fun. The colors would also tie in her love for colors and art. Plus, she is like a rainbow in our lives, always there to bring a smile to our hearts. We are thankful for our sweet little girl and all the goodness she brings into our lives and to those around her. We love you!!!

The rainbow spread

The sign is from Eighteen25

Love this picture!

E-pie with my cousins who love her very much and were so helpful at her party.

Can you almost taste the rainbow?

So happy...

Because she got a bow and arrow.

Merida!

With my parents who can kind of be silly ;)

~ H

Minnesota for the 100th

So after taking a 2 week vacation from our trip to Maine, we headed back out on the road. The In-Laws drove me and the kids up to Minnesota to celebrate hubby's grandmother turning 100 and a family reunion. We were gone for a week and a half. We got to meet up with the Maine Davises again and the kids picked right back up where they left off. It was really good to see all of Hubby's relatives again and for the kids to meet everyone and know that family is a BIG thing...literally and figuratively! It was the largest family reunion I have ever been too. It was wonderful seeing Great Grandma and having her see the great grandchildren. 100 years old... can you believe it??? The weather was gorgeous but the mosquitoes were mean. The kids and I packed heat clip-on mosquito repellent and that did a pretty good job.

great grandma at 100

the siblings

We also got to celebrate someone special turning a year older. Here is a little message for my little girl:

Five years ago, God blessed me with the perfect little girl. 

An Angel to teach me how to be a better person and how to laugh and sing a little louder. 

I am not deserving of her but am grateful that God knew exactly what I needed in my daughter. 

Happy birthday to my sweet girl today. 

Mommy loves you all the way to the moon and back.

She got to celebrate with her cousin at the Mall of America. We took her to lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe and then unlimited rides at the Nickelodeon Universe. She rode her first roller coaster. We picked Daddy up from the airport just beforehand and got to spend the day with him, too.

My little princess girl

enjoying the ride with big cousin

thinking about driving the car ;)

someone knows how to zoom around

so magical

We also got to spend some time in Minneapolis after all the family parties. We missed going out in the skywalks all over the downtown area. We will have to do that on our next visit. I will let the pictures tell you about the rest of our trip.

Lunch stop in Grand River, Kentucky

Saint Louis Arch on a drive-by

Meeting critters at a cousin's home

enjoying the company of just-met family members

having a good time at the party

wow! 

checking out the rotating doors...yup, they work!

i like the combination of a church among giants

playing in the cityscape

window shopping?

grassy knolls in the middle of the city...pretty cool!

made them look...told them spiderman was jumping between the tall buildings ;)

visiting the beautiful home of their great aunt

who's that pretty girl?

Granny and Great-Aunt J

serious discussion is happening

LOVE THEM!!!