Zoe is 6 years old!!

While time may fly for those of us over a certain age, the approach to January 13th was painstakingly slow for Zoe.  Never mind the Christmas toys that would distract and preoccupy the rest of us.  For Zoe it was all about the countdown to turning 6.  Or rather, the countdown to her birthday party which was scheduled the day before her actual birthday.

Preparations began the day before with Zoe doing her part to help.  Beaters covered in frosting always need a willing tongue.

The party loot bags were kept simple.  Zoe took it upon herself to decorate each bag with a "Zoe original" painting.  Her party was held at a gymnastics venue so we put a Playmobil gymnast toy in each bag along with a couple trinkets and pieces of candy. 

Highlights of the gymnastics party included lots of running, tumbling, climbing and jumping.  The professional sized trampolines were a big hit!    



 

After an hour of nonstop motion, the partiers were more than ready for refreshments.  Luckily we had a cake.  And lots of pizza!



Zoe's gymnastics cupcake cake.  Each child received one of the Playmobil figures in their loot bag.

 

With the party behind us, we woke up early on the 13th to have a cupcake breakfast, open gifts and celebrate turning 6 with just our family.  We spent the day at Fantasy Fair, an indoor amusement park.

Birthday breakfast.

 

On the carousel at Fantasy Fair.

As a birthday treat she got her face painted at Fantasy Fair.  Here she is taking her first look at the finished product.

Every year on or around Zoe's birthday we take a photo of her and Chengis by the front door to mark their growth.  As indicated by the pants and sleeves on her chosen outfit, Zoe has grown almost three inches since her last birthday.  Though still on the small end of the scale, she is healthy and growing.