Maya's 5! and the village that raised her...

I cannot even begin to fathom that I've been a PARENT for 5 years.

but enough about me...

onto the girl of the day,

Miss Maya herself!

You know the saying 

"it takes a village to raise a child"

Sometimes I feel like we actually have a village.

Maya was the "first".

first baby for US

first baby in the family

first baby among friends

first niece/nephew

first great-grandbaby

first great-great-grandbaby

To say she is loved is an understatement.

You have no idea how amazing it feels to see her grow and love in the relationships she has made since she's been with us.

We've moved away from our "home" (5 hours away) which makes it hard with kids who forget almost instantly who people are. Not Maya. She may get a little fuzzy when it comes to who people are, but it only takes a moment. 

Maya is great. She really is. 

I know she's my kid, but really...she's exceptional.

She will often bring me a Diet Coke and say 

"I'll just leave this here beside you incase you're thirsty" 

or

"Mom, can I help you with anything today?"

or

"Mom, you're the best Mom in the whole world, because you make me lunches & always take such good care of me"

or

"Mom, I love you so much, that it makes tears come into my eyes"

I'm not even kidding.

She's THAT sweet.

This next bit I wanted to showcase some photos of those who have been the

"village" in raising Maya.

Nana - they are kindred spirits and peas in a pod! It's always hard for them to say goodbye, but Nana always has a plan for "next time" with fun day trips & activities.

Papa - Her go to guy for fun when we're home (often in the form of a Wii game). Maya can be like a shadow to him when we're visiting.

Opa - Who she will ask to go fishing the second she sees him. He taught her, and she fishes well! She also loves his boat :)

Oma - Maya loves to paint & do lacing with Oma, and go for walks to the beach at the Cottage and go berry picking!

Auntie Mags - Maya is always anxious to tell her a new story. They also share a love for Disney Princesses. Maya was spoiled rotten by Auntie Mags when she was a baby!

Uncle Lance - A kid himself, he loves on Maya constantly. Even with just welcoming a new baby girl, he makes sure this girl gets lots of attention and love! 

Auntie Lor (Aka. Auntie Lor with the Chocolate)- Auntie Lor is so amazing with Maya. She comes to so many parties & events for her along with Uncle Pete and is always giving her treats from her Chocolate Shop! 

Auntie Deedee - My best friend. Maya at a young age started calling her "DeeDee" and it stuck (her real name is Danielle). Deedee is known for sending awesome mail packages on special occasions, and driving up for impromptu visits!

Uncle Thomas (aka Tontas) - The guy we usually have to warn "careful, she might puke". He looooves to rile Maya up...and she looooves the attention!

And my #1 partner in raising this little girl:

Her Daddy - The guy who teaches her to ride her bike, skate, takes her out on "dates" and he encourages her daily, as she does him. They dance, they play, they laugh. 

Then there's those who I couldn't find photos of with Maya but are definitely big role-players here!
We love you all!

Gigi and Gipa

Grandad 

Nanny

ALL the Tuesday Night Girls

Auntie Kate (who Maya thinks just may be a princess bc she saw her in a wedding gown)

The Lloyds (our pretty-much-family, who coined the nickname "Miss Maya")

The Huggins

The Cuz's

I told ya, it's a VILLAGE!

Thanks to those of the Village, recognized or not. You all have played a huge role in her life, and she's literally surrounded by fabulous people.

Off we go to celebrate a little more :)