She is 6 years old???!!!

Today, July 9, our little girl turns 6,  She has had quite a fun year.

She loves going to Chicago Cubs game with her Daddy.  She has gone a total of 4 times and even got to run the bases afterwards the most recent time!

A. attended Jr. Kindergarten this year (mornings M, T, Th, F) and even rode the school bus there and rode the bus to the sitters on the way home.  She had her best friend's mom as her teacher.  It was a great year and I am amazed at how well she knows her letters.

 A. took dance lessons again this year.  This is her third year of dance!  Recital pic below...

 Nothing better in the fall than playing in the leaves...

 or going on hikes...

 ... or dressing up as the Little Mermaid for Halloween!

 This girl LOVES her little brother.

 and smiles big every chance she gets!

 We had a fun mini vacation in Chicago over spring break.

 She really loves to dance!

 She loves the summer!

and today she is 6!!!!  (A. edited this picture herself)

Dear Sugarplum.,
Happy 6th birthday, sweet girl!  You continue to amaze me with your abilities.  Hearing you read the letters on the eye test chart was really cool!  I love listening to you try to sound out words to figure out what they say.  Next year when I am writing your birthday letter you will probably be reading!  I love watching you dance, and hearing the songs you create.  You have such a passion for God and it shows with your song lyrics.  I hope that you continue to trust God and pray as earnestly as you do now.
 You (and our whole family) has some big changes this year.  We are moving from a house and a community that you have lived in the past five years.  Saying goodbye to friends is always challenging.  I hope and pray that you will see that change happens in life- and how you react to that change creates the person that you become.  Change is the opportunity for you to meet new people- make new friends- impact others.  A move can help you have more confidence in yourself.  No matter where we live, our home is where we are together as a family (stole that quote from somewhere!)  So wherever you go in life, always know that you are loved by me (and the rest of your family).  Know that you can rely on God to get you through the hard times.  Know that God created you, A, to be just who you are right now and who you will become.  His plans are amazing and you just have to trust.
I love you, girl!  Keep growing (but not too quickly!) and may your love and happiness comfort and help others around you. I love you and am proud to call you my girl!
Love,
Mom