Natalie's 6-Year-Old Well Child Visit

We took Natalie to her 6-year-old well child visit today.  She's 44.25" tall and 43 lbs.  According to growth chart predictions she'll be 5'4"ish as an adult.  (I'm sorry, Natalie!)  They tested her eyesight.  They told her she doesn't need any more shots until age 11 which delighted her.  They checked her muscles to which the doctor said, "Wow! You must play sports or dance?" She proudly detailed her gymnastics and how excited she was to graduate to the big gym.  The doctor asked her if she was beginning to read a little.  Natalie told her she read a whole chapter book two nights ago.  The doctor asked her about her diet. Natalie talked about tikka masala, bell peppers, bananas, and pork schnitzel.  The doctor said she was an easy child to see. 

We came home and I began cooking red beans and rice which was Natalie's request this week.  As I cooked she took herself to the piano to practice and played Jesus Loves Me.  As I stood in the kitchen working and listening the reflections came flooding in.  Here we'd just been to the pediatrician looking back on her growth and changes which brought to mind her baby and toddler days.  They're still so vivid in my mind.  And yet that's all they are.  Here she is - a big girl, a strong athlete, a well-rounded and healthy kid.  Who chooses on her own to play Jesus Loves Me for me and read to her little sister.  She told me there are 11 days of kindergarten left. 

We're on the brink of a new phase and it seems surreal.  She was just teeny!  I know it because it was 2 tiny data points back on her growth curve.  But here we go - into full-on kidhood.  It's sad and it's so happy at the same time.  She's extraordinary and even doctors can tell from 10 minutes with her.  They told me we must be very proud of her.  They don't know the half of it.

2015 Gym Show

Natalie's gymnastics show on Saturday was so much fun to watch!  She is one mighty girl!

 They began with a balance beam routine.

Then moved to bars.

Then trampolines.

Then a floor routine.

They concluded with her very favorite activity - rope climbing.  There was a bell at the top to ring.  She's one of two that made it all the way up.  The crowd literally went wild! 

 She received a trophy and they announced that her class had graduated from the mini gym to the big gym.  She can't wait to start summer classes!  She shows a lot of love for the sport and we're very proud of her enthusiasm, dedication, and strength.

Lolo and Papa Don Visit

Lolo and Papa Don came to visit for an action-packed week.  We celebrated Mother's Day, Natalie's birthday, and Natalie's gymnastics show. 

 

It was the most special Mother's Day gift of all to be able to spend it together.  We spent a beautiful day outside playing, swimming, and grilling. 

 

Monday was full of Natalie's birthday festivities.  On Tuesday Lolo and I volunteered with kid writing in Natalie's class.  On Wednesday Lolo and Papa Don got to observe Natalie's regular gymnastics class.

 

While we didn't have much down time during the week we had a little.  It was full of reading, Legos, twirling, and knuckle heading.

We had fun in Hershey this week too.  On Thursday Mom and I went for Mother's Day mother-daughter chocolate massages at the Spa at the Hotel Hershey.  Mmmm.  On Friday while Natalie was on a zoo field trip Lolo, Papa Don, Audrey and I had great fun at Chocolate World touring, chocolate tasting, and creating our own candy bars.

Saturday brought the gym show (separate post coming soon) in the morning and shop time in the afternoon. 

 

 The right wing spar is now riveted and we have another finished part!

The visit was fast and furious and we loved it.  Being able to do so much together was wonderful.  There were tears yesterday as Lolo and Papa Don drove away.  Come back soon!

Skittle is 6!

6 years old already?!  Lolo and Papa Don were here this year to celebrate the big day with the birthday girl.

This year's birthday theme choice - minions.

She started her day with birthday pancakes before school.

 Then 7 friends arrived for a birthday lunch and party.

Lunch was minion sandwiches, mac and cheese, fruit, and cupcakes.

It was a beautiful day for playing outside.

 We played pin the eye on the minion.

 And did a TP roll (of course) craft.

Her friends brought very generous gifts.  It was neat to see how well they know her and what good friendships she's developed this year.

Shortly after the friend party concluded Chris arrived home early and the fun continued.  She's quite the talented gift hunter now!  We didn't take it easy on her with the hiding places.

Friends and family were extremely generous as well.  She was thrilled with lots of Legos, craft supplies, outside playthings, walkie talkies, dolls, clothes, and books.

 In a request that made us all giggle, she asked for pork schnitzel, sweet potatoes cut into rectangular prisms, and frozen green beans (still frozen) for her birthday dinner. 

Cake, round 2!

The very special conclusion to the meal and day - Lolo's annual birthday poem read in person.

She had a busy and wonderful day, as did we celebrating our newly minted 6-year-old.  She's full of energy, as smart as a whip, super creative, constantly doing things for others, and a social butterfly.  She blesses us and enriches our lives every day and we love her more than we have words.