her magical 5th birthday

Dear Iris,
On the day before your 5th birthday something very magical and unexpected happened. We received a call from our friend Harvey, who had just set out from Kendall, Wisconsin, with his friend Richard, to drive his team of mules to New Mexico. Yes, New Mexico- a very, very long way to go in a wagon with a team of mules. Harvey called to say they were doing a light first day with the team, and might they hitch up at our place for the night. Oh my.

So, hitch up they did. You and your sister were absolutely in awe. You couldn't take your eyes off these cowboys and their beautiful mules and their little wagon with Sadie the dog resting underneath. Just like Laura and Mary.




The whole wagon was beautifully crafted from the ornate trim pieces and blue paint, to the bunks and shelves and small "kitchen" space. I'm pretty sure you thought you could live in there forever.

You delighted us with your focused curiosity and your eagerness to be with these full grown adventurers. You spent quite of bit of time following them around on your own. You wondered and asked questions. At supper you hung on each word as they told stories of other adventures (this is Harvey's 3rd trip cross-county with horses). On the morning of your birthday, you woke eager to share pancakes with them and help feed and water the mules.




And then all too soon, they were on the road again. What an amazing start to a very fabulous birthday. Thank you Harvey and Richard for sharing your adventure with us (this was a homeschoolers dream come true, not to mention a really killer birthday surprise). Happy trails.

After they left you were eager to do your own horse-girl stuff. So we brought ol' burred up Bandit out for a stroll around the yard and once inside you wrangled up every horse in the house.


Later that day Grampy arrived bearing gifts- tin can stilts and a whiffle-ball set. Perfect.

That evening we lit the 5th candle on the birthday ring made by mama and papa and we all celebrated the amazing young girl that is you!


Later in the weekend your Nina and Poppy came and we all gathered round the monkey cake Nonna had made for you.

A pretty amazing 5th birthday for a very amazing girl. You inspire us with your eagerness to learn, your wide-eyed fascination with this beautiful world and your big love. Happy, happy birthday big girl.