Mara is still afraid to ride on a horse by herself but does love to go on the merry go round.
At first Mara was afraid of Dumbo but then insisted on riding 3 times!
Then off to the tea cups - thank goodness Mom doesn't get dizzy!!
Mara's first day of school came so quickly! Here Mara and Clare getting ready to go to school together; Mara complete with her custom designed tiara. One of the best parts of having her go to school at Clare's work is that we get to drive to school together.
Mara quickly settled in with the kids and her teachers Ms Christine and Ms Ying. They say that she is already picking up quickly - practically learning something new every day!
Mara's sixth birthday is on September 10th. This year we decided to be low key, celebrating with family. Here Mara celebrating at dinner with her new favorite dessert, ice cream!
We had a birthday party for Mara at Happy Hollow, a small amusement park and zoo in San Jose. Mara is completely obsessed with the train ride, Danny the Dragon. Unfortunately the train ride was closed down but that didn't stop Mara from having a ball. She is one HAPPY kid!! Here with the family.
Mara blowing out candles with her rainbow cake.
Clare and Mara celebrating together.
Mara's best friend Alessia joined us. Here they are getting face painting together. It is so wonderful to see them enjoy each others company, despite communication challenges. Alessia is very patient with Mara.
Alessia the butterfly.
Mara got a dragon arm painting and then, of course, had to copy Alessia and get a butterfly face painting on her cheek.
The ones who braved the roller coaster.
Mara seems to be afraid of loud noises and screams. She opted to not try the roller coaster (despite Alessia being on it). But we got her to try the frog hopper!
And at last, getting to hug Danny the dragon!
Mara told Danny that she was turning 6 and Danny said he was turning 8!
It doesn't take much to make Mara happy and a birthday celebration with her family and Danny sure does the trick!!
