She brings us home

The cuteness of this little face has the power

 to melt hearts

and bring her people home.

She doesn't need to have a reason,
but a reason she gave us anyway:

Birthday #1.

[Marisa gave us another reason: This amazing cake.]

We gathered together [with a few hundred balloons]

to gift her with all the fun things we need an excuse to play with,

to watch her discover,

watch her read [she's a genius!],

to watch her play.

In essence,

to celebrate.

Her,

and just being together.

Our togetherness continued into the next day,

gathering with Grandma to show her the pictures of our little one's big day,

to prepare a scrumptious meal,

[of which even Digby approved...]

and to celebrate the other birthdays that got missed along the way.

 On my way out of town, I couldn't help but swing back to that adorable bug

and the brother and sister I get to see far too little of.

She was pretty happy about it.

[I was too.]

It was a treat of a visit, even if a quick one.

As Daniela said as I was leaving, 

'Hey! When are you coming back?'

Soon.