Six!

*We interrupt the previously scheduled "birthday pilgrimage" posts to bring you this special edition, "Birthday Girl" post.*

Aubree is now 6, going on 12.  It's hard to find adjectives adequate to explain how remarkable and amazing she is.  She is bright and kind and clever and helpful.  She is such a joy to be around.  That's one of the reasons we're home schooling; I'm too selfish to let someone else enjoy her company more hours in a day than I get to!

If you ask Aubree, she'll tell you she loves, "books and babies."  To that list I would also add, "big girls and boys."

1. Books - No surprise here, right?  As part of our home-school reporting we've been keeping a running log of the chapter books she reads.  For the last 2 months she's been averaging 45-50 books a month!  She reads ridiculously quickly (faster than Mark, even!), but still manages to have great comprehension.  Her favorite series at the moment include: Geronimo Stilton, Boxcar Children, American Girl, Puppy Place, and Rainbow Magic Fairies.  

Aubree probably reads an average of 2 hours a day, though on days we go to the library, that can easily jump much higher.  After one marathon reading session I asked, "Aubree, don't you ever get tired of reading?"

"Yeah," she replied, "sometimes when I'm reading right before bed I get a little tired."

Laughing, I amended my question, "do you ever get bored with reading?"

She stepped back, aghast, and blinked her eyes a few times in shock before answering, "Of course not!"

2. Babies - This is another on-going theme; Aubree has always loved babies.  She seeks them out wherever we go.  On our trip to Utah she couldn't get enough of her little cousins Anna and Elizabeth.  

3. Big Girls - Aubree often gravitates towards older girls.  Since she was really little, she's been immensely blessed to have fabulous "big girls" who were willing to give her special attention and make her feel like she was so important to them.  They would talk to her and play with her and give her hugs.  I am so grateful for their examples!  

In our ward here, Aubree's again found amazing "big girls" who have taken her under their wings and go out of their way to make her feel special.  According to Aubree, her "best friends in Seattle" are two sisters, Ally (10) and Liberty (9).

What's also fun, is that now Aubree has a chance to be the "big girl" to little girls in the ward who are now looking up to her.  I love seeing Aubree repay the kindnesses she's been shown.

4. Boys - Aubree frequently comes home from co-op, school, or church talking about boys in her classes. Rory, Bryson, Josh, Isaac, Ian... the names change, but there's always an air of innocent infatuation.  We did have to put a nix on writing notes saying "I love you," but otherwise we're just keeping a careful eye and not worrying too much.  

Happy Birthday, Aubree!!