Rachel's Birthday

Rachel turned 6 today! And she was so excited for her birthday this year. I've decided it's fun having my birthday the day after hers because then I'm able to relive some of the childish excitement that is long gone. :) Rachel was very specific on what she wanted for her birthday this year - she wanted a locket that opened and a microphone. And of course the lucky girl got both... Here are some pictures of her day:

Rachel was up bright and early today. I was in feeding Ian around 5:15 AM. And I have a habit of checking on the girls while I'm up. So I peeked in on them and Rachel was laying in bed with her eyes wide open. I gave her a kiss and told her to go back to sleep. I don't think that happened... Audrey and her bounded into our room around 6:30... So, we started the day.

Rachel's first present was from Audrey and it was a big box of Lucky Charms (a cereal we don't normally buy):

Audrey, Ian, and I also had lunch with Rachel at school. (I forgot the camera in the car.) Rachel requested a grilled cheese sandwich from Sonic, so that's what she got. I did take a picture of her after school in her crown and with her stickers. She was so excited to know that her birthday would be announced on the announcements and she would get to go down to the front office for her sticker.

For Rachel's birthday dinner we went to Olive Garden for macaroni and cheese. It's her favorite! :) We met Andy there. Rachel was so anxious to open her presents that I let her bring her present from us to Olive Garden. She was very excited to open it and get her locket that could open.

We then went home to open presents and enjoy cupcakes and ice cream. Natalie, Chase, and Landon were able to come over and help celebrate. Here's a few pictures of Rachel opening her presents:

Definitely excited about the microphone:

Butterflies - Rachel's favorite:

I love this picture of Chase willing to get in with the girls and start styling some hair:

Making a a birthday wish:

I think Rachel enjoyed her 6th birthday. We are so blessed to have this girl in our family. She brings so much joy to us. She's such a pleaser - sometimes it worries me. I don't want her to feel too much pressure or feel like she has to please everyone - that's impossible. She loves her younger siblings and protects them. Rachel accidentally startled Ian about a month ago and she was in tears as soon as he was. She felt horrible. She has very tender heart. Rachel loves to play with Audrey, which I'm so grateful for. It's going to be sad day when she grows up and doesn't want to play so much make believe with Audrey.

Rachel loves anything girly. She loves painting her toenails and then she lets me paint her fingernails. She is already asking to go with me sometime to get a pedicure... :) She loves playing dress-up and putting make-up on. And even though she can acts like such a big girl; she still loves to snuggle, get sung to at night, and freely gives kisses. She loves playing board games and playing on the computer as well. Rachel absolutely adores her daddy. She talks his ear off when he walks her to school.

Rachel loves school. She's liked by so many and has so many friends. She loves her teacher and loves learning. She's really gotten so she enjoys math (which makes me happy since that was always my favorite subject). It's been fun to watch her progress as a reader this past year. She had several birthday cards to open this year and she was able to read most everything without any help.  

Thank you to all those who spoiled Rachel with gifts, phone calls, emails, and cards. She definitely felt loved on her special day.