Birthday Party

After our birthday trip to Disneyland, we had a little get together at our neighborhood park with some friends to officially celebrate. Brailyn loves all of her friends from church and school. Playing at the park and climbing trees was the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Duck, Duck, Goose of course

Kids in Trees

Opening presents

Make a Wish!

Birthday trip to Disneyland!

What a wonderful birthday we had this year! Grammie helped momma surprise Brailyn with a trip to Disneyland. I woke her up early in the am, car all packed up, and wouldn't you know- she took one look at my shirt (my Minnie shirt) and said, 'Are we going to Disneyland?' Too smart for her own good:) So off we went. We got to the Disneyland Paradise Pier hotel about 1pm, and headed to the park. We had a blast, of course. It IS the happiest place on Earth, and we both love it so much. We even had a visit from Larissa and Jeff on Monday, and Grammie came on Tuesday. The best part of all was seeing the smile on her face every time someone saw her birthday pin and told her 'happy birthday, princess!'. Even Goofy and Minnie gave her extra hugs because it was her birthday. Disney just makes it that much more special.

Goofy LOVES Brailyn


No lines at Fantasyland!




We had breakfast with the Princesses at Ariel's Grotto. Yummy!


More Disney magic:)




She was so excited when she saw Jeff (with whom she bonded in San Diego last summer). Her new favorite 'uncle'.


We also ran into some friends from Momma's high school (Chris and Melissa Braegger) and their girls, who took swimming lessons with Brailyn (McKenna). We went on a bunch of Fantasyland rides with them. They were so excited to have a friend!


Riding Space Mountain with Grammie!




My heart was so happy this trip. The magic of Disneyland, the special birthday trip, the joy in her eyes. I love this girl so much, and loved spending this wonderful time with her.

Happy 6th Birthday!

Wow! Six years old already. Brailyn, you are growing into such a beautiful, smart, sweet, kind, discerning, spirited little girl, and I love watching you live your life with joy. Here are some things about you now that you are 6.

You can read VERY well. Your kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Brown, says you are reading at a 4.6 grade level. Wow!

You love your new gymnastics class with coach Mike. You are learning new skills and getting stronger every week.

You play the piano very well. Miss Melanie says you are musically talented, and she loves having you in class.

You are such a good friend to your classmates. You love school, and play with just about everybody in your class. Your BFFs are Casey, Adam, Addi, Naomi, and well, the list can go on because you really do love all of your friends:)


You are a great big sister to Lincoln and love having him over every week. You play all day with Parker using your wonderful imagination.


You love to write and illustrate stories. It is one of your favorite things to do in school and even at home. We go through a LOT of paper!


You love to play with your American Girl dolls at Grammie's

You are very fashionable. You love to pick out 'cute' outfits, mix and match, coordinate, and just get creative with what you wear.

You tell Momma EVERYTHING, and I love it! School, friends, good things, sad things, what you want to do...you are great at expressing yourself and are very good at telling the truth.


Playing with Barbies and monster trucks.


We love to watch Wipeout every week and laugh at the crazy obstacles and the contestants bouncing all around.

Favorite food- Amy's Organic bean burritos (you ask for them every night), broccoli, watermelon, strawberries
Favorite book- Junie B Jones and Cinderella pop-up book
Favorite color- pink and green

Here are some more things your classmates wrote about you when your were special kiddo