The Munchkin turns SIX!

I can barely believe that my first born has turned six. It seems like yesterday that I was awaiting her arrival...washing and folding the clothes to fill her drawers, rocking in the glider in her empty nursery, reading every page of every mother-to-be book I owned (as well as some I'd find at bookstores). Now she's a lovely young girl who is so independent and one of the best big sisters ever.  She does a lot to help me everyday with the babies so I was hoping to make this birthday a little extra special.  I think we succeeded.

All (children's) birthdays in the Ran house start out with our tradition of a scavenger hunt to find your gift. After 6 clues, she found this card with this message inside...

We decided to finally give her the American Girl doll she'd been wanting for the last few months. Since we live relatively close to one of the American Girl stores, we planned to take her to the store so she could pick out her doll herself. (For weeks, she wanted a different doll everyday.) She had a snow day from school on her actual birthday, and it worked out for us to go. It was such a special trip with Mommy. We took the train which was great, with the exception of one extra train on the way there (I accidentally got us going in the wrong direction for one stop).

Then she picked out her doll, which is a My American Girl that looks just like her. Her name is Kelly.  Meet the newest member of our family....

We met my mom at the train station and she came with us to the store. She and my dad (who stayed home) took the Munchkin and I to lunch at the American Girl Cafe.

Kelly ate lunch with us and got her ears pierced. After that, we took the train home--without any extra trains this time. :) What a wonderful day we had together!

Two days later, we had a party with our family. We have the most wonderful and generous family. We love celebrating birthdays with everyone!

Then, as if that wasn't enough, we had a little party with the Munchkin's friends. She invited just two of her close friends for lunch, with their American Girl dolls of course, cupcakes, and then we went to see Disney Princess on Ice.  I didn't bring my camera to the Princess show because I figured I wouldn't be able to take pictures there (and I was too afraid that they'd take away my brand new camera), but I should have....totally could have taken pictures. Be we had a great time!

Happy 6th Birthday Munchkin. We love you!