Adalyn's 6th Birthday

My firstborn is 6 and I just can't get my head wrapped around it.  Adalyn is a one of a kind, kind hearted, old soul who we are so blessed to get to raise and watch her as she grows.  Some things that I want to remember about her during this time are:

• She is super particular.  Things have to be a certain way or it just isn't right.  However, she is also very adaptable to change.  How do those two things work together?  I haven't figured it out yet, but both of those things reside in this kid.  For example: Moving, having a baby, etc don't seem to have an effect on her, but if her blankets aren't the right way she can't sleep.  She is also very particular about her clothing.  She will not wear anything that is slightly loose or doesn't fit just right (she will NEVER wear jeans).  Leggings are her favorite and only when she can pull them up to her belly button (yep we have a Grandma Panties in the house).
• She needs to feel like she is heard.  One of her biggest frustrations is when she feels like people aren't listening to her.  She needs to be given an opportunity to explain herself and know that others are really hearing what she has to say.  
• She is a GREAT big sister.  I often find her teaching Quincy something new or helping her with something over and over.  She has also been know to stand up for Quincy when she feels like someone is being mean to her.  Adalyn is very responsible and is always trying to protect her more rambunctious sister.  She has already told me how excited she is to help me take care of the baby. 
• Adalyn can be very sensitive.  Her feelings can often get hurt easily but she is also more sensitive to when other's feelings are hurt as well.  
• She is very adventurous.  Addie will try doing just about anything.  She loves rides, climbing, and you can often find her attempting new "tricks" on her bike or scooter.  Her favorite thing at recess is playing on the monkey bars where you will find her skipping, climbing, hanging upside down, and just about any other thing you can do on them.  
• Adalyn loves to learn.  She picks up things quickly and she especially excels at reading.  One of my favorite things to do with her is read the Who Was books before bed.  Not only is she reading these 3rd grade level books but she remembers things about each of the people that we are reading about.  We have had some great conversations about things that she doesn't understand (why Hitler did what he did, why Steve Jobs didn't spend time with his kids, why Einstein wanted to think outside the box).  
• Some of Addie's favorites are : color=pink, food=pb&j sandwiches, movie=Night At the Museum, thing to do=playing games, drink=Fanta, toy=Our Generation Doll, friend=Savannah, song= Let It Go (Frozen), book= Who Was Anne Frank, snack= Goldfish
• She loves to make things.  Whether it's building with Legos, putting a puzzle together, or doing some sort of craft she really enjoys creating something from nothing.  Quite often we catch her with paper and glue or tape making some sort new creation.
• She is currently taking Ice Skating lessons and she loves them.  It is fun to watch her learn something new and to enjoy it so much.  
• One of her favorite things to do with Quincy is to pretend to be either kitties or babies.  They could play this game over and over.  
• Adalyn is very precocious.  I am certain that I attempt to answer at least 15 to 20 questions a day.  Some are simple questions (Why do bugs eat leaves?) and some take some thought before answering (How does a baby get in your tummy? or Why did Jesus have to die?)  She is constantly wanting to understand the world around her and I love when I get a chance to see the world through her eyes.    

For her birthday, we started the day with some presents...

 and doughnuts...

After school she passed out ice cream cups to her classmates...

And then she had an Easter themed Birthday Party.  We had 14 of her friends from church and school and it was a riot.  Here they are eating some pizza...

Then they decorated some bunny masks...

Had some sack races...

Played Pin the Tail on the Rabbit...

Went on an Easter Egg Hunt...

Sang and ate cupcakes...

and finally opened presents.  

It was a great day!  Addie felt so special with all the friends that came to her party.  I am so happy we were able to celebrate our sweet girl on her special day!