Elise turns 6!

We're not sure how it happened, but she's no longer a little any longer. She's fierce, a tad bit (too) sassy and tragically funny. 

Elise is as quirky as they come in the best possible way. Part tomboy, part nurturer. Her interests fall more often into the "boy" category when it comes to play. However, this girl is super sensitive and full of heart. She is extremely empathetic and her emotions can turn on a dime. (i.e. The other night when she stormed out of the kitchen saying, "I just don't understand why I don't get the respect I deserve." That left the three of us stifling our laughter for fear of what would come out of her mouth next!)

The child maintains her own zoo, with more stuffies than a queen sized bed has room for. Each has a story, a voice, a name. When we travel, she culls down the entourage, though Tigre and Tundra are always by her side along with her two kiki's (blankets).

Elie is full of enthusiasm. Spirited is probably the best way to describe her. I've had several people refer to Elise as their "spirit animal," so I guess that fits. She is excited about just about everything....until she's desperately disappointed or acting like a mad hatter. 

The only thing as exciting as her movement is her facial expressions. She will light up with shock and surprise at the funniest things. Sometimes it's a congratulations on a great dinner. Other times, it's someone else's accomplishment....kinda like Elf (in the Elf movie.) She's just purely delighted at the ways of the world. 

We spend a lot of time looking at art. Over Spring Break, we took a trip to Chicago. It never dawned on me that the nudes would be a big deal, but the kids expressions were hilarious and kept everyone around us chuckling. Elise is not afraid to carve her own path or take on the big kids. Her determination propels her ahead as she keenly studies the big kids she's chasing after. Not to say that she's completely fearless. Many times she enters into new things shy and reserved, but she knows herself well and doesn't hesitate to share her opinions.

This kid has a heart of gold. She had her first crush this year on her soccer coach (though we NEVER called it that, though it was so obvious.) She adores Molly and truly grieved the loss of Cali and her fish this year. The experiences have made her love deeper and spoil the new puppy. 

Equal part friend, competitor and nuisance, Elise and Ryan share a special bond. She simultaneously wants to do everything he does, while wanting to parent him and be his best friend. 

Once the kids hit the school zone, Ryan is Elise's protector. NO ONE messes with Elise. This role has come completely naturally to him. They sit together on the bus. He looks for her on the playground. He coaches her through social situations. This year his class was assigned to hers and he (and TJ) asked to be her reading buddy. She could not want anything more from a big brother. (Ok, maybe a little less fighting.)

These two have spent more time together as companions at the cottage this summer since the social dynamics have shifted there as the kids get older there. We're so glad they have one another. 

Elise has such a great group of people that love her. We're grateful for the family and friends that have circled her. Towards the end of the school year, her class mix of friends was equally weighted boys and girls. Though Emmett, Cullen and Wyatt were here BFFs for kindergarten. 

Elise and I got to spend another weekend at Camp Newaygo for Mom and Me camp. She is built for camp and is non-stop the entire time we're there. It's so special to share a place that helped shape me in such important ways. Seeing her sit on the same infamous "red chairs" that I sat in is profound.

Her excitement to be at the cottage has increased this year. She sometimes cries when we have to go home. Many night have been spent playing Ghost in the Graveyard until 11:30 as she watches the older kids. She's turning into a fish this summer and loves doing summersaults and hand stands underwater. Though she's only tubed a hand full of time, she'll usually choose to watch her brother from the front of the boat while insisting we head back to shore so she can socialize (with Blake, Quinn, Caroline or the little girls) and swim.

Elise is a born athlete. She's got a natural gift and loves to play sports. T-ball was again a success as she played for the same coach on the Dragons. She often played catcher liker her Uncle Billy, but could be counted on for great hits and solid baseman skills.

Thanks to Milestones Child Development Center, Elise was READY for kindergarten academically. Not to say the first few weeks weren't rough since the playground intimidated her. We struggled most of the school year with her eating her lunch, since she's often race through to be able to stay with friends. This kid is a SLOW eater. By October though, she was in her element and felt very comfortable. So much so that by the end of the school year, this child was plowing a path through the school's crowded hallways with just about every kid high-fiving. She's a hit with the 5th graders! A special thank you to Mrs. Gardner for being the kind of teacher that saw her magic and listened to her needs. She turned into the class mom and because of that, she would sometime find the need to do her work on her own since she felt bothered by the other kids seeking her attention. We liked that she knew how to ask for what she needed and had a teacher that met her where she was. (We should also mention that by the last week of school, she started wearing a PONYTAIL. It was an act of God and I had to ask all the teachers NOT to tell her she looked cute or beautiful.)

Elise has a special gift for art and adventure. Most kids love art and movies, but Elise acts like a mini director of photography in the making. Sometimes she'll be scanning the crowd or even watching a movie with her fingers up to compose a frame. She is a great photographer and loves to draw with Art for Kids Hub. Sometimes I can't tell the difference between her drawings and Ryan's!Elise, you're complex and funny. You amuse easily and love fiercely. We're so grateful for the ways you round out this family. Your tender heart, competitive nature and natural spunk are just what this world needs and we're so glad you're the center of our universe!