When We Were Six

"When I was One,
I had just begun.
When I was Two,
I was nearly new.
When I was Three
I was hardly me.
When I was Four,
I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever,
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever."

Yesterday I could not help but think about the poem written by A.A. Milne in 1927 as I watched Julia celebrate her sixth birthday.  The delightful rhyme...full of humor and understanding kept playing in my head.  Lena and Paul, parents of Julia, well understand the needs of nurturing the imagination of their young daughter.  The theme of the party was NOT Hannah Montana....nor did it take place in a bowling alley or a Chunky Cheese restaurant.  Instead, it was a home party...one filled with activity and home-made props.  The pond in August is the perfect setting for Julia, our very own water nymph, to host a Mermaid Party. 

Throughout the previous week, Lena and the girls busied themselves making a paper mache fish pinata as well as filling "fish bags" for a treasure hunt.  In the kitchen, Lena was busily preparing lasagna, meatballs, salads and a chicken and brocoli dish.  Julia wanted a "mermaid" cake and so Lena, who has never lost the imagination of the very young, created a beautiful delicious centerpiece. 

Come join the party and celebrate Julia's sixth birthday.  As the guests arrived, clothing was discarded and down the pond they did go. 











The kids had a blast swimming and playing games in the water.





These tubes were a hit.....and so was the big yellow ball.




After frolicking in the water for a good hour or so, it was time to eat and then go on a "fish hunt".  Lena and Paul had hidden treasures all around the gardens for the children to find.  Then it was time for the Pinata.  Over the past week, Lena and the girls had constructed the fish from paper mache, construction paper, a balloon, and glue. 


















"Give it a good hit, Julia!"










    Waiting for their turns.....



Up steps Jared......


And then Cam....who needs to think about it for a few moments.....


And then little Sage takes the stage.....


A few more hits and the loot falls out....a mad scramble ensues.....











Justin finds a balloon....



And Sage?  First a horn......



And then a party blower.....


Now it's time for the cake....down to the pond we go.
















oops, it's upside down.....let's turn it around....















Make a wish, Julia.....













Cake and ice cream, anyone?


"Sage, what are you doing?"

Bellies full, it's time to go upstairs to the living room for Julia to open her presents.




The boys are enchanted with the presents.....





After the "prize opening", it's back to the garden we go for a game of tag and then ball.


The day was filled with laughter and love...and one little girl was ever so happy because in her heart she knows that being six is a most remarkable age....for did not A.A. Milne write:

" But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever,
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever."




Happy Birthday, Julia......you are one clever girl!