::Happy Birthday, Lily!::

My dear friend Brooke asked me to help take pictures at her daughter's 6th birthday party months ago and I was WAY too happy to oblige mah-self.  Not only do I have a not-so-secret crush on her sweet sweet family, but who can turn down an invite to a carnival themed 6th birthday party?! Not having been around many 6 year olds, I forgot how much flipping fun they are! Such joy and unbridled love for each other and everything in their little world! I could go on for awhile about how much fun I had...but instead how about I just show you! I think I almost maxed out the number of images you can even put on a single blog post!!

detail shots for Brooke...she always puts SO much effort into making creative and beautiful birthday cakes for her kiddos. this year Lily got one big flower cake and lots of little dragonfly cupcakes. colorful and oh.so.adorable!

carnival games in eager anticipation of small children to play!

is that the face of a birthday girl on her big day or what?!

love her butterfly clip. the girl knows how to accessorize!

Brooke's mom brought a HUGE bunch of beautiful balloons! the most perfect grandma i think any girl could ask for

I think this picture just sums Brooke up so well: so happy and carefree...beautiful mother

a little DOF just for you, Brookie

this series almost makes me tear up with its sheer cuteness. Max is one of the cutest little guys...and I just love the interactions between him and the guys in their family.

craft table

Brooke had a great playlist for the afternoon. I think Lily is dancing to Sound of Music here. Reason #28374 i love her. She just dances to the soundtrack of her own life :)

game time!

at some point a girl is just SICK of gettin her picture taken. priceless, Lil!

little girls are the sweetest!

it was so precious how they all congregated further back in the woods to enjoy their dragonfly cupcakes...

how sweet is this little miss?

Maxo goin in for more cupcake

Alberta, the tank of a dog, enjoying some birthday cake too

Berenstain Bairs and too much birthday fun...

oh the victory of the birthday gifts

more DOF and detail for Brooke. there were so many pretty and colorful details!

I think this pretty much sums up Brooke and her husband Josh. I love to see grown ups flirt!

{sigh!} What a FUN day! This afternoon was so full of color and laughter and hugging. These are the kinds of things I hope I'm up to the task for if the Lord provides us with children in our future. Special moments that celebrate life and joy in such simple and thoughtful ways.  I truly hope for Lily that as she grows up she remembers these beautiful childhood memories.