Toy Story

We prepared the girls for a year of “birthday experiences” in lieu of birthday gifts. We are at capacity with the toys in our house, even the girls can see that after a little truth serum. But teeing off with Cate was hardly ideal. She wanted nothing to do with this new arrangement. We factored in her age and negotiated gift expectations down as low as we could.

Cate: “I am up early (as usual) and I will scrutinize every effort made on my behalf today starting with these decorations.”

Crashing the party preparations… Little Lucy. Back when she could be contained by bins alone.

When a whisk was all the distraction she needed to get a cake baked. These days she could use it to pick the lock on the baby gate.

Fortunately, Ken and her all-star teacher managed the classroom celebration.

I’d vote for kinder retention simply to keep the dynamic duo together. These two made the sweetest connection, I couldn’t dream up a teacher that would love and encourage Cate better than Ms. Flake.

Lucy needed all the utensils in the holder to get through dinner prep. I never once wished for a Golden Corral, until Cate listed her menu preferences.

Age six. All business.

Cate: “I like what I see.”

Cate: “Nice color on the gravy, not too dark.”

Cate: “Oops, the effervescence is a little strong on the sparkling juice. You’ll want to manage the bottle a little more delicately next time.”

Ready to report us to the authorities.

And she had a case. I won’t be proud of this effort when the future family historians compare the 2022 celebrations. Or next week, when Rose’s birthday pics are posted.

6th birthday earns you… a trip to Jane’s riding lesson to admire the puppies we will never take home.

That’s a trick we could play on Lucy… but even with Cate’s joyful spirit it was a stretch.

Birthday experience? An hour the following Saturday at the local trampoline park. (I’m paralyzed by a guilty cringe).

Our “generosity” rubbed off on Rose, who gifted Cate a picture and the use of her lint-covered squishy for 72 hours.

We did spring for helium.

Wishing we never went down this road?

I’m pretty sure she received too many gifts to call it a success, or to set the bar reasonably close to where we’d like it for Rose and Jane. But it’s a start.

Thank you cheerful, generous Cate, for the loving words you speak, the pictures you draw, and the those glorious hugs as tight as your arms can hold us! And without a doubt, you were meant to be a big sister.