Bouncing birthday...

One of Emmy's friends at school celebrated a birthday this weekend and she had her party at PowerSports. This wasn't the first time we'd been to a party here, but it was the first time that I looked up to see this tot flipping left and right.

Maybe she was paying attention in gymnastics after all. 

:)

Landry was pretty much laughing the entire time. 

And jumping.

Laughing and jumping and jumping and laughing.

One of my favorite things about being a mom is watching them be brave - do things they were once too scared to try and then resist that thing they were once so scared of as if there was nothing about it to fear. For Emmy, it was jumping into this foam pit. 

And on this day, she didn't even hesitate. She probably didn't even remember that she ever hesitated - she only remembers being brave. 

And coming out smiling on the other side. 

After all the jumping and bouncing and laughing and playing, it was finally time for cake. Sweet Madeline has taught this group of kids so much in their time together. She has some special needs that the other kids don't have to overcome, but those needs of hers have made this class learn some special lessons. Compassion, patience and acceptance among them. Things they may not even be aware they have learned or gained through her friendship. 

To them, she is Madeline. Their friend that needs a buddy. Their friend that has special shoes. Their friend with the flowing brown hair and beautiful blue eyes.

Madeline, their friend.

Madeline, the birthday girl that we loved being able to celebrate!