Riley's Room Re-do!

A few weeks ago we were discussing with Riley what to get her for her birthday.  We came up with the idea to re-do her room.  She had the owl theme since before she was 2.  Now that she was turning 6, it was time for an overhaul.  We all agreed we weren't painting the room, as we just did it a year and a half ago.  Riley was able to pick out the theme on her own.  I sent an email to all of our family suggesting that they can buy some cool new big kid items for her room.  It was a success!!!  For her birthday, everyone bought stuff for her room.  No toys, no clothes, just awesome items to add to her digs.

In case you are unable to remember what her room looked like revisit this blog:  http://www.clarkfamily420.blogspot.com/2012/03/little-color-goes-long-way.html 

And here is her new room now!

Mommy and daddy bought the bedding and curtains (including the tie backs) and the nightlight.

Juh-Juh and Gramps bought the rug and bean bag chair.

Babcha and Pop got Riley the lamp and throw pillow.

Aunt Jenny and Keira got the lights.

Aunt Laurie and Uncle Matt bought the wall art hanger and collage board.

Aunt Kelly got Riley a homemade collage board, her new cool big kid initials and the wall decals.

She made out like a bandit and Jeremy and I didn't have to put together any toys!  BONUS!!!

Hopefully this room theme will last for another 4 or 5 years!

Riley's 6th Butterfly Birthday Bash!

This year, we kept Riley's birthday party low key.  Just family and a nice BBQ in the yard.  We lucked out with the weather - it was not boiling, it was completely overcast and only sprinkled a little.  Riley requested a butterfly theme and I delivered (as best as I could).  For her birthday, as far as gifts went, we requested items for her room redo.  Riley had decided that she wanted a new "big girl" theme and since we do not need any more toys in this house we had everyone pitch in and get some new items for her room.  It was a successful party with delicious food and awesome company.

And of course, you can't end Riley's birthday party without a fire and some s'mores!!!

Happy 6th Birthday, Riley Paige!

It's one more fabulous year in the books!  Riley is now 6!  So many wonderful things happened at 5 that I can only imagine what is in store for 6.  Riley woke up this morning asking if she looked any bigger and then swore her legs were just a little bit longer.  However, she says she doesn't feel any different.  I think it's safe to say that Jeremy and I have seen so many positive changes over the past year.  While Riley may still whine and occasionally have a fit, overall, she is a super sweet kid.  

She has become a top notch big sister - always caring about Avery and thinking of her.  If she gets something, she wants to make sure she can get something for her sister.  She plays nicely with her and teaches her so many things like colors, numbers, etc.

Riley reads now and usually will read us a bed time story or will just sit on the couch reading to herself or her sister.  She learned to ride a bike this past year and she did a stellar job in kindergarten.  I am still in denial about this whole going to 1st grade business.

I am sure that Riley is only going to grow more and more mature as this year goes on.  We're excited to see what she learns, endures and embraces.  Here's to year 6 and all that comes with it.  I'm so lucky and proud to call Riley Paige my daughter.

Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet Riley!!