6 Years of Isla Grace

Isla Grace, you are 6 years old today.

The world became a more magical place on October 17, 2013. We really truly mean that. YOU are magical, sweet girl. And brave, and strong, and kind, and creative, and thoughtful, and intelligent, and sparkly, and oh, the list goes on!

You impress us every single day with your big ideas, your beautiful artwork, and your hilarious phraseology. Your passion for learning and ability to apply your thinking is amazing, and we love when you share all of your wonderful ideas with us!

You have always been a loving soul, but your empathy and heart for others has grown profoundly this past year. You have really settled into your role as Big Sister. The love and patience you show Cole is admirable. Thank you for being such an outstanding example and friend to him. Hearing the two of you belly laugh together is the best sound we have ever heard! It more than makes up for the bickering that sometimes happens too (wink, wink). You are also the greatest little mommy to your precious Charlie. We melt when we see how he looks at you with love in his eyes and the way he snuggles up under the covers with you at night– both signs of the trust and connection you share.

We adore your adventurous spirit and experiencing the world with you. The way you peacefully watch clouds and the trees out your window on our drives makes us smile and reminds us to be present. While you love to explore, there’s no place you’d rather be than at our beach cottage (well, except for maybe Maui). You cheer every time we pull onto the gravel road– it’s so sweet. We think you may have a little ocean water in your veins. You are happiest splashing in the surf, with an agate-filled collection bag slung over your shoulder. Your smile is wider, your ideas are bigger, and you run more freely with the salt air blowing through your mermaid hair. You recently suggested we move to the cottage and live there. We told you we had considered it but were worried we’d be too lonely. You looked up at us, a shocked expression across your face and exclaimed, “We wouldn’t be lonely! We’d have each other!” Daddo’s eyes met mine, and they were filled with tears of amazement and gratitude for the amazing person you are. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the love and magic you bring into our lives every day.

Happy birthday, beautiful girl. We love you with all of our hearts. We are so excited to celebrate you today, and we cannot wait to see all that you accomplish and experience as a 6 year old!

A big thank you to Lauren LaBarre Photography for these precious photographs of our family in our happiest place.