I heard Ainsley tell a few people she had an "amazing" birthday!  We started celebrating early by waking up the little sisters so the festivities could begin...  Tradition over here is to open your presents when you wake up!    I made her some of her favorite pancakes and then she was off to tennis lessons...  Once lunch was over we headed home to get ready for her party..  Ainsley invited 6 friends from her school...  The party plan was a photo shoot with the "house photographer" at the studio!  The girls arrived at 3:30 and got ready!  Once their hair was professionally done by Kate it was off to the shoot!  The girls did great!!!  It was really fun to spend time with this special group of friends!    After pictures we headed to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner and the party ended at our house with cake and presents!  It was such a fun day!!

Here are some pictures from her special day!

For the past 7 weeks I have been taking Lisa's "Get Out of Your Comfort Zone" photography class.  For any of you needing an extra creative push with your skills, I highly recommend this one!  Lisa is amazing!!  I have been pushed to try some new things which has been great for me!  I will admit I was getting a little bored with my pictures always looking the same....  Anyway, this past week's assignment was definitely something new for me...  Silhouettes!  I felt like Lisa was shoving me out of my CZ!!!  I will admit I was a little intimidated by this one..  I had an idea, but the weather was not cooperating with me...  Finally, Friday night the sun came out, and I was able to complete my homework....  Thanks to my model, (Ainsley's sweet friend) my vision came to life....  I just want to thank "K" for being so patient with me!  You are amazing!!!!

So here is my first silhouette...  I look forward to doing more of these, now that I have been pushed (shoved) way out of my comfort zone!  Thanks Lisa and group..  It's been a great learning experience for me!!

I can't believe she is going to be 11 in less than two weeks...  It feels like yesterday we were sending her off to Kindergarten..  Today she completed fifth grade..  She is definitely growing up way too fast....  When I look back at Ainsley's six years at Chapel Hill it is amazing how her life has changed..  She has become a big sister three times since that first day!  She has gone from the cutie to the beauty in a blink...  She has done print work, commercial work, and she has traveled to China twice..  She has grown in so many ways...  She has experienced what it's like to sacrifice for another...  She has loved when it isn't easy..  She has fallen in love in an instant...  She has been accepting, and she has been a role model..  Sometimes it's hard, and sometimes it's wonderful!  She has laughed and she has cried at the call on her life in this family..  She is very proud of her little sisters!  If you asked her, she would say let's adopt again!  That always amazes me!!  She is charming and witty...  She is special!

One of my favorite memories from this past year has nothing to do with school...  It has to do with a big sister and an amazing child that went to visit an orphanage that raised her little sister for three years.  She gave out lollipops with a smile, and she hugged some very special children that just wanted desperately to be loved by a big sister too...  She did it with grace and a warm heart... She did it for Emme.  God has blessed her with a gift for children.. Especially orphans.  We look forward to seeing what the future brings for Ainsley in this way!

Ainsley we are so proud of you.. Happy Summer!!