Mary Alice opted for a party at home with her classmates. It was an hour and a half of giggles. Very, very loud giggles.

She is into all things sharks and unicorns right now. If you give her long enough, she will tell you all about sharks and rays. She loves the ocean and made her party incredibly easy for me. A blue candle and a pinata were here very specific requests.

Mary Alice, more than anything, just wants her friends and family close by. She wants to laugh and have fun together and just be.

She is my reminder to put down my phone and play a game together, my wink and a smile across the room, and my ‘hey, you gotta try this!’ to anything delicious.

Tonight, we quietly watched deer outside our backyard. She swung patiently while I took pictures, content to be by my side. I’m so very thankful for her.

Happy birthday, Mary Alice! May the Lord bless you and keep you, now and always.