Little Man,

YOU. ARE. SIX. I cannot believe I just typed those words. A year of kindergarten has blown past, and now we're staring down the first grade.

This year, you grew up a lot. Evidenced by your mad negotiating skills, your newly found talent for impersonations, your amazing word pictures, and your huge heart.

We kept your party low-key this year at Lake Kiowa with Daddy's family. Most of your gifts centered around a Star Wars theme. A lightsaber with sound effects, Star Wars bed sheets and backpack, Legos (Star Wars, of course), a Star Wars dictionary, and lots of other cool stuff. You declared that day, THE BEST DAY EVERRRRR, so I think you liked it ;)

We love your heart, buddy. We love your enthusiasm, and your conviction. There's nothing we don't love about you. This year is going to be, THE BEST YEAR EVERRRRRR. We can't wait!

Love you mostest,
Mama, Daddy, and Gracie

Gracie and I had "Princess Day" a few weekends ago (while Michael and Jonah went to a Ranger's game). We did our make-up, with lipstick, powder, and just a touch of mascara.

Dear Gracie,

Your 3rd birthday fell in the middle of one of the hottest summers Texas has ever seen. Fortunately, you've never known a summer that wasn't like this in Arizona!

A little perspiration never kept you from wearing a tiara ;)

We've kept things simple this summer with lots of mornings at the pool, visits with our cousins, aunts, and grandparents.

Your birthday was no different, and you wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

The Rowdy Girl gang met us in Abilene at Marmee and Grandpa's, and we proceeded to celebrate. Nannie and Abigail came to party with us, and of course brought the mac n' cheese and mashed potatoes. You licked your plate clean, as always.

Your gifts included a dollhouse, Disney princess figurines, a couple of My Little Pony dolls, a book about ballerinas, a princess bike, and several other girly pink things.

We love you sooooo much, Gracie Girl! Happy BIRTHDAY!!!

Love,
Mama, Daddy, and Bubba

This series of pictures perfectly sums up the first half of our summer break.

The kids are in their swimsuits (we've been at the pool every morning),
watching the baby mockingbirds hop around the front of our house,
while they wait for Aunt Angie and Uncle Jeff.

It also reminds me of how MUCH I've seen Jonah and Gracie's relationship bloom this summer. Jonah's really started owning his roll as a big brother (to Gracie AND Dixie the dog). Very helpful, protective, and kind. I mean, we have our moments, but this is an exciting development!

Some of my favorites toddlerisms from Gracie this summer...

I want to snap duh lizzard
Translation: I want to cut with scissors

Duh nilluh
Translation: Vanilla Almond Milk

I want to cuddle your tummy
Translation: Please move your laptop computer, so I can cuddle on your lap

chicken little soup
Translation: chicken noodle soup