We’re officially parents of a six-year-old! Calla’s birthday was yesterday, and we spent the weekend celebrating our firstborn.
Saturday was her “special family day,” and she chose to spend it at the zoo, then eating lunch at Panda Express and enjoying frozen yogurt at iTopit. Despite 100-degree weather, we had a fabulous time together!
(It was on our drive out of the zoo area where we first saw the smoke plume from the Waldo Canyon Fire. More on that here…)
Yesterday we were forced to stay home from church after the main highway was closed due to the fire. We had planned a friends & family birthday party at my parents’ home, but the highway closure also prevented our friends from joining us. Calla didn’t mind just celebrating with her grandparents and uncles, though!
Calla had requested a butterfly cake for her birthday -- she was super excited to see how it turned out! (Her favorite part was that it was decorated with gummy candies.) 
(Sorry for all the fuzzy phone pics!)
Eric and I are in awe of the gift we’ve been given in this sweet girl. She’s spunky, fun-loving, creative, energetic, and silly…and also gentle, compassionate, loving, helpful, and thoughtful. She’s a little mountain-woman-in-the-making — camping, fishing, and hiking are some of her favorite activities.
She’s a bit of a perfectionist and a people-pleaser. She’s a thinker, constantly wondering aloud about how this world works, why God made things the way they are. She loves caring for (and occasionally bossing) her little brothers.
In a word, she is precious. God has been gracious to us, and we are so thankful.
-Abby
{Linking up with Ruth for Grace Laced Mondays!}
Happy Birthday Calla!
Thanks, Breanna!
Oh goodness, melt our hearts! How is *my* little girlie so big already!?! Love her…and look forward to spending time with her in days to come. And that Shepherd…is it just me, or does he look like one of the 5?
It’s so funny to me how our kids are interchangeable as far as their looks go.
Calla is super excited to see you, too!
Abby, I’m praying for you guys as well…how close are you to the fire? Are you under evacuation notice? It is so hard to watch the beautiful mountains burn! Be safe!
The southern part of Woodland Park is under pre-evacuation notice, and we’re just north of that line. From the news reports I’m hearing this evening, we’re not in immediate danger at this point, praise the Lord! I’m so thankful that no homes or lives have been lost…praying it stays that way!
Gotta love a spunky girl, and she’s beautiful too! Happy birthday, Calla!
Thanks, Megan!
I was just thinking a couple of days ago, I can’t believe Calla is seriously SIX! You were pregnant in my wedding, and I kept thinking, I know we got married in 06, but how is Calla six?? Wow, time goes so fast.
I can’t believe how close you guys are to the fire. Can you even get into the Springs right now?
I know, it’s crazy how time flies. It seems like the more kids we have, the faster time goes by!
We can’t get into Springs right now since Hwy 24 is still closed. If we HAD to get there, we’d need to take the back way which is about 2 1/2 hours. I’m hoping they’re able to open 24 soon!