Emery is 6

I can't believe it. My baby girl is six years old. I'm not sure how that can be. Time really does go by faster and faster each and every year. I gave Emery two options this year to celebrate her birthday: 1) she could have a friend party of some sort or 2) she and I could go to Nashville (just us girls) and stay in a hotel (with an indoor swimming pool) and go to the American Girl doll store. She chose a girls weekend away with her momma and I was thrilled. We had a great trip!

Ready to hit the road! 

She picked out her very first "real" American Girl doll. Apparently Bitty Babies and Wellie Wishers aren't "real" (according to Emery). It was our first time to go to a store and I must say it was a bit overwhelming at first but overall, very well organized and a lot of fun. I could have spent a gazillion dollars in there but set expectations on the front end and Emery stuck to our agreement.

She picked out Tenny. The newest American Girl doll. Just added this year. 

So excited! 

After heading to watch the new Beauty and the Beast movie (which was awesome), we hit up Chuy's for lunch before heading back to M-town. It was a quick but great getaway!

 The trip to Nashville was the weekend before her birthday. Tuesday (her actual birthday) she got a (much needed) new bike and bike helmet. It's significantly larger than her old bike and I was worried she would have a hard time riding it. But she surprised me once again!

One of her favorite gifts from Miss Lauren...matching Tenny/Emmy PJ's. 

Emery - Happy sixth birthday!! You are so smart and spunky! You keep your dad and I laughing most of the time...and also questioning where you get your spirited personality from (not your dad). You and I are alike in some ways but also so different. You love to craft and you don't like to throw away anything. I can't stand clutter or anything extra laying around. To you, everything you see (even trash) has a creative purpose. I went to throw away an empty bottle of hand sanitizer a few weeks ago and you stopped me and said "No! I can use that for a craft!" Every empty Amazon box that gets thrown by the back door to go out with the trash gets stolen and used by you in some way, shape or form. One box you turned into a closet for your doll clothes. It works pretty well!

You get many of your ideas from YouTube Kids. Including a recent "Trash bag challenge" idea. You challenged me to create a dress out of a trash bag. We each had scissors and red duct tape.  We had a fashion show in our trash bag dresses and your dad and brother voted on the winner. You won by a landslide! Your dress was so cute! It was a one-shoulder number with all sorts of embellishments. All I did was cut out head and arm holes and add a belt with duct tape. You constantly amaze me with all of your creations!

Your dad and I think you are turning out to be a pretty cool little person. We can't wait to see how you continue to grow and become who God made you to be. We love you lots and lots! Happy Birthday to our baby girl!

We love you!

Mom (and Dad)