Ali's 6th birthday party!

Ali turned six years old last Friday, the 25th! How time flies!

This year she wanted an Esther party. Yes, Esther from the bible. So, we started off with a little recap on Esther focusing on her beautiful heart. It was a day of focusing on inner beauty and outer beauty!

To me, the funniest part of this picture is Josiah. He came to join us after we had started. It looks like he is saying, "Hey, mom. You tell them about Esther." All casual and all.

We had lunch and then the girls made their frames. I took them outside one by one and took pictures of them so they could add their pictures later.

I love this one because she actually stood next to her frame and asked, "Auntie Teresa, take a picture of me." Nice!J.J. in all her beauty!

After they decorated their frames, they watched the Esther movie Veggie Tales style. While they watched the movie, the moms painted their nails!
Sammie's bright red toes!Nicole's newly painted nails.

Then we had cupcakes. They were supposed to be crowns like Queen Esther's crown, but they didn't stand up very well. Thankfully, the kids didn't complain.
The birthday girl and her birthday cupcake!
Amanda's newly painted nails and her crown cupcake.
It looks like she liked it!Sammie liked hers, too!

Thanks, Dennis and Wendy for sharing your pictures with me!

As I think back to all that has happened this year, it's amazing how much Ali has grown. It was our first year homeschooling, so I know that I had to grow right along side of her. I love that I get to spend so many hours each day with her. I wouldn't have it any other way. She loves to sing and dance, bake, read. Oh my goodness. She loves to read! She started off this year not really reading and now I can't get her to come eat because she is lost in her books! She is very playful with Sammie and Josiah. She is not all girl! She loves to get rough and dig in the dirt with the rest of them. She loves to lead worship and sometimes she writes songs to God when she is alone. She is very helpful and observant. She loves all things beautiful: flowers, dresses, jewelry. For Mother's Day she chose a beautiful heart locket for me. She wanted me to have a heart locket so that I could put their pictures inside it and show people their pictures. What a joy she is!

Happy 6th Birthday, Ali! I love you very much!