Lydia's birthday

 We had an early birthday party with Grandma and Grandpa Sam before they left. It was a combined one, since Lydia's birthday and Grandma Sam's birthday are just a few days apart.

 Lydia wanted to go swimming at the YMCA for her birthday. I think the kids had a lot of fun. I was freezing.
We came home to pizza, cake and presents.

 I think she enjoyed her special day. I say "I think" because you can never be sure with Lydia. I am not even sure she knows when she, herself, is happy.

 She did get some fun toys and lots of attention.

 Our little Pearly. Lydia is getting so big, it freaks me out a little. Okay, not so big in stature, but just grown up in attitude and age. Of course, she has always had a grown up attitude (meaning she acts older than she actually is).
She is beginning to loose teeth. 4 on the bottom, with some loose on top! She has started reading more fluently. She struggled at the first of the year but is doing so great now. She is still drawing and coloring obsessed, but mostly she LOVES being with people. She really can't get enough attention and love.

That is one reason that she and Felix do so splendidly together. She has a minion and he has an entertainer. Roles that they are both happy with. Occasionally, on a day that she has little patience I have to separate them but they are usually as thick as thieves. It is so great!
Lydia is imaginative. Her stories and pictures are detailed and elaborate. She loves music. She loves to dance and sing and is surprisingly really good at both. She got a guitar for Christmas and likes to pretend she is a rock star. She has that attitude to go with it. She loves hugs and wrestling with Dad.