6-year-old Rachel

Before we could really start celebrating, sickness hit our family. Ian has had a really gross cough and fever on and off for three weeks now. The only upswing to the illness is some pretty sweet bedhead.

Rachel's birthday started off great with a fun breakfast in bed (with some beloved sausage) and getting to be the "star of the week" at school. We got to go and talk about her poster and the kids asked her cute questions. She thought it was so fun to be the line leader and the teacher's helper during the week and for the big birthday we brought in some pink sprinkle cupcakes.

Rachel got some fun presents this year and everyone is so good to her (thank you grandparents!). Kassia and Brady got her this fun game that used to be one of Kassia's favorites as a kid and it has been a hit ever since.

Josie liked the presents as well.

Her big present was a whole bunch of art supplies with an easel. She has been in heaven.

Here she is testing things out at the first opportunity.

Along with everything else birthday, we squeezed in a move. We were sad to say goodbye to such a great school as Reading Elementary and her great kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Newland. She was so sweet to Rachel and got her off to a great start in school.

We had some fun neighborhood girls over for a "garden party" to celebrate. We had lots of games, treasure hunt, planting seeds, and other fun things.

Along with silly Rachel, there is Kyree, Lauren, Olivia, Mercedes, and Izzy.

Rachel wanted some more cupcakes, and so Grandma made her this great bouquet.

It was a really fun party and we'll miss these cute girls!

Josie also thinks she is a big girl and stole Justin's drink for a second.

Delicious!

After her party, Rachel came down with a fever so we had to postpone dinner until everyone was better. When we were finally able to go she decided on IHOP to get some delicious breakfast foods. Grandpa was being extra special for her night out.

At least the other side of the table was a little more normal.

Rachel at 6 years old:

At her yearly checkup, she is pretty much perfect at around 49% for height and weight.

Her favorite foods are bacon, sausage, spaghetti, Cheetos, strawberry ice cream, candy and lemonade.

She loves reading and books and is currently loving poetry (we have a great poetry collection compiled by Bill Martin).

She loves art and especially painting.

She also loves "science", doing little experiments, and making collections.

She loves singing songs and learning new things at school.

She has a great time playing with friends. Their favorite things to do usually involve dressing up.

She tries really hard to be obedient and loves to please her parents.

She is a really sweet girl and is always trying to help with her younger siblings.

We love our Rachel and she is always making life more interesting and entertaining!