Ryley Turns Six

Ryley's birthday was a perfect day -- the first that Ryan and I have both had off of work since Father's Day.

Sometimes it's hard to take time off, especially when you know that you're going to walk into a mess on your first day back, have to work twice as hard to make up for being gone, and so forth.

But for that brief moment in time -- that lovely afternoon -- working in the warm, sunny kitchen together to create the perfect tea party for our six-year-old princess, we finally felt the reprieve and joy that we feel we have very much earned these past few weeks. We celebrated an even six years of parenthood by donning our aprons, polishing the tea kettle, and getting creative with the likes of peanut butter and tuna.

And in our opinion, there's not a better girl in the world for which to go to all the trouble. We're pretty smitten with our Ryley Elisabeth...all six years of her.

So we started the day with a "special morning" at Village Inn.




Then it was time to set up the tea party. I let Ryley use the tea set I bought in England many years ago. Would you believe I don't think I've ever used it?? But what better way to break it in?? :-)


Ryley planned most of the menu. She requested ants on a log...


And we had cheese cubes...


fruit skewers...


deviled eggs and crescent rolls...


and butterfly-shaped tuna sandwiches. Ryan was amazing at getting it all together! That food service/presentation experience comes in handy!


Ryan and I played the parts of chefs and waiters.


The girls had so much fun!





Breaktime for "the help"!



We took them all to the little water play area up the street...




then returned home for pinata, presents, and cake.





It was so pleasant -- exactly what we had imagined! We are thankful everything went so smoothly. So, tired and exhausted, we were delighted with Ryley's dinner choice of Texas Roadhouse!!! We went with my aunt and uncle, as well as Ryley's closest friend, and we had a wonderful time!



And now, thanks to Coleen and Paul, the Precious Moments birthday train has another link...a giraffe. :-)


This is all going by way too fast! And we soak in every single moment. :-) Happy birthday, sweet Ryley. We love you with all our hearts.