Grace's 6th Birthday

You know, it's so hard to believe that another year has gone by. 

Here my little Grace is, turning 6 years old and I'm wondering when she got so big? 

When she grew into this girl, sweet and fun and so wanting to please everyone,

that she often gives up her own wants to make another happy.

On this day we celebrated the birth of our

Grace Townsley Busch. 

She woke up first, like she does on most days. 

She woke with a smile, like she does usually.

She woke up, came to me in my early morning sleepiness, and whispered to me,

"Mommy, it's my Birthday!" 

Indeed.

She opened a few gifts, first thing in the morning. 

We had decided to go to the beach, one of her most favorite things to do. 

She is, afterall, a California Girl.

We gave her a few gifts to outfit her for our time in sun and sand.

A "bee-kee-nee" and sundress, as well as some sunglasses.

I think Norah was about as excited to get her hands on the bee-kee-nee, as Grace was.

They share most things, and Norah knew she would have a turn at that pink suit to bath in.

And then Cap'n Jack offered to let her open another gift. 

A small Barbie pony to add to a large Barbie collection that has been growing in that pink room o'theirs.

I just loved Jay's face in this one. 

He's so happy to celebrate his sister.

And then, the rest of the gifts sat and waited til we got home from our day of adventure. 

Another of Grace's favorite things is, Strawberries.

I found this wrapping paper and ran with the 'theme'. 

And we are off! 

We had no sooner set down our things, and Grace was off. 

In search of seashells and all things pretty.

This is where the birthday collides with a fun family day.

The sun was bright, the air was briney, and the kids were rosey. 

A perfect recipe for great shots of everyone.

Adam, Grace and Jay were throwing a frisbee around in the water. 

Jay is forever sticking out his tongue.

Reach for it girlie!!

Norah is a little more timid around the waves and thrashing of water. 

So they all took a break to build a quick sandcastle.

While Daddy and Mommy hung out under the umbrella -

Grace ran up for a quick snack and drink, and I grabbed a couple of pictures for memory's sake.

Then something amazing happened.

Grace took Norah by the hand, and taught her how to jump over the waves as they rolled towards them. 

Soon, Norah was laughing and counting how many times she jumped over the things she feared just a few moments before.

My Girls shared another thing. 

Jayden was on the boogie board for hours - riding wave after wave.

He would holler and whoop all the way into shore, letting all around him know that he caught yet another wave.

All day long, Norah jumped,

 

 Jayden rode the waves,

 

 and Grace lounged.

 Jayden stuck a sword in the sand and noticed the shadow was a cross. 

After the beach, we had dinner in Galveston and danced in the square where there was live music being played.  Then we made the long trek home.  There were still presents to open and cake to be had. 

And what a yummy cake it was.

Happiest of Birthdays to our Grace!