The Treasure Hunter

If you knew my niece, you'd so be giggling at this picture.



It's really not a very good capture of it, but still - I positively love her secret little smile when she's excited about something but trying to hide it. Cutest. thing. ever!

And there was lots of smiling going on for her big birthday party on Sunday. She's six now. As in, all the fingers on one hand plus one on the other hand too. Wow.

She had a treasure hunt party, complete with clues to find presents hidden all around the house and a treasure map with an "x" marking the spot where the goody bags were "buried" in the backyard and a treasure map cake with hidden treasure inside. Jen, you sure did put together a great party for her - the clues were SO cute!

It brought back memories for me too, of the birthday when I turned...oh, maybe 7 or 8? My parents surprised me with clues to lead me on a treasure hunt all through the house to finally find my brand new big-girl bike hidden in Dad's office. Since my birthday is in December and we lived in Missouri, it was cold and icy out...and yet that didn't stop Mom from running back and forth for half and hour, helping me stay upright on the bike. Good memories. :o)

But this post isn't about my birthday, it's about A's. So, here are some more pictures!

One of the clues included a secret code that had to be cracked in order to find the next hiding spot. Here she is hard at work, with her many eager helpers.







Once all the gifts were found, it was time to open them. You don't mind if I brag on my girl for a minute, do you? Good, because I was going to anyway! About a month ago, I got Nadia a little princess doll that I'd found at a thrift store. She liked it well enough, but A. LOVED it! Every time she came over, that doll was her constant companion. So I casually suggested to Nadia that she maybe she could give it to her cousin for her birthday...and Nadia was totally overtaken with enthusiastic agreement. It makes me proud to see what a generous and loving heart my daughter has - especially since she didn't claim the doll back when Anna pulled it out of the gift bag!



Here's Uncle D. reading one of the new books to all the girls - and Nadia with A's new yellow kitty cat tucked under her arm. Goodness, that girl and her love of cats!



Finally it was time for cake...



....and then some inky fun with her new stamps.





As the oldest of four little girls, we often think of A. as the "big sister" and "the big one"....but she really is still just a little girl. Happy Birthday to one my favorite big little girls!



Nadia's review of the birthday party: It was great and it was fun. I would like to go to her next party too. I think A. will probably invite me, right Mama?