We Have a Birthday Girl! Sam is the BIG 6!

Dear Samantha,

Today, you turn 6 years old.  I know I say this every year, but I still cannot believe it's been a year since we've celebrated your last birthday.  Not only that, but this time six years ago Daddy and I were holding you in our arms at the hospital just marveling at this beautiful little baby with a full head of hair.  We sat there wondering what you going to be like and what your voice would sound like.  Now today, you're very independent, and expressing your opinion about things.

Here are some of the milestones/accomplishments you have achieved in the last year:

• You just completed your first year of school in Kindergarten.  You really enjoyed going to school each day.  Now you are ready to head to 1st Grade in September!
• You're really reading now.  I mean really reading.  Everything from books from the library, to our mail and even signs at the stores.
• You're coloring more inside the lines now.  You're really taking the time to choose your colors and decide how exactly you want to draw and sketch your pictures.
• You no longer need a side bed rail
• This was the first year you actually asked for a Birthday gift:  a scooter.  To which (you don't know it  yet, but...it's sitting inside our closet waiting to be opened.)  Bwah ha ha ha.
• You're already showing signs of being like Daddy.  When a problem comes up, you suggest ways on how to solve the problem.
• There are days where we wonder if you're really listening.  And then, Daddy and I will have a conversation about photography, or talk about our wedding.  Next thing I know, I hear you pretending with your toys and reenacting something Daddy and I talked about the previous day.
• Although you still have them once in awhile, you're actually seeing the value of not throwing a temper tantrum.  Granted, you're getting older and voicing your opinion about things like food, or clothing, but you're actually putting two and two together and trying your best to understand where Mommy and Daddy are coming from.  Now, if we could just work on the no arguing with your sister...

Daddy and I are proud of the person that you've become so far.  You have many years ahead of you, but we love where you are headed.  Now, there are days where it's not all rainbows and sunshine.  We do have our difficult days, but we learn each time, don't we?  God knew we needed you.  To help us learn.  To show us how to laugh.  To know what it's like to sacrifice.  We would not change anything, ever.  We are just so blessed to have you as part of our life.  As part of our family.  Always have that spark and that never lose that smile of yours.

Happy Birthday Sam.  We love you.  Always.

Love, Mommy & Daddy

Here is what you looked like in past Birthdays

And here is what you look like today!

We took a swim in the pool today...

We had dinner at Bertucci's and the waitstaff sang "Happy Birthday"!

After we got home from dinner, we changed into our PJ's, and opened up Birthday cards.  Mamere included a nice surprise in her card to you...