The Hopkins Family: Samantha is SIX

Six. Years. Old. It is incredible to me that I have been a parent for six years. Samantha has been such a fun little girl to have in our family. Here is a look at Samantha at 6...

She has lots of friends and loves being with people.
She is still very mothering, especially to younger kids.
She is likes things to go her way and since she is the oldest, she usually gets it.
She is a great problem solver. She does get frustrated when she can't figure out the problem on the first or second try and she'll shut down and walk away.
She is very sensitive and gets her feelings hurt easily.
She really likes crafts.
She is learning to read, but is not a fan of trying.
She really, really doesn't like anything that involves work (homework, chores, etc)
She is the BEST big sister to Lily. Seriously, the best. She loves her completely and never complains if we ask her to play with Lily for a few minutes or to help her with anything. She also takes very good care of her and makes sure she is safe.
She is very creative and can make a story out of everything.
She doesn't like to be the center of attention.
She is very affectionate and loves to give/get hugs multiple times a day.
She is riding a two wheeler, but is still a bit cautious about her limits.
She is a little fish and LOVES swimming. She is also a great swimmer for someone who has never taken lessons. She doggy paddles, but since last summer she has been able to swim almost the length of a pool (she can make it the whole way but will have to either rest on the side for a minute or float for a minute while she rests)
She has become quite the hiker/climber and loves to run wherever we are going
She is very well behaved and other than fighting with Paul we don't have a lot of problems with her.
She likes to tell jokes. I don't get them. :)
She tells me all the time that she loves me and that I look nice.
She is wonderful and we love her!

For her party this year she wanted to have a water party. I talked her out of that and she decided to have a PJ party instead. The girls came over and made their own pizzas, watched a movie (that did not last long), played outside, had cake and ice cream, and opened presents. 6 year old girls are very giggly! I think she had a fun party and hopefully it lived up to her expectations!

In her new tent. This was the hit present and I could hardly get her out of it.