There is a community center near my house. Outside of the community center is a big camphor tree. Almost every weekend the center is rented out for a party of some kind. In 2012, there was a quinceañera and the girl had on a big poofy dress and was getting her picture taken in front of the camphor tree. The girls were enthralled with the ‘princess’ and I explained that the quinceañera was a birthday party for girls when they turned 15 and they get all dressed up in pretty dresses.
Well, so began a tradition. Every year, they want to wear a dress to their birthday party have their picture taken in front of the big tree. First, it was for Lizzie’s birthday. She turned 4 and we took her picture by the tree. Then we did the same for Evelyn’s 3rd birthday. Of course we have to take pictures with each other and with the brothers if they will cooperate.
In a few days Lizzie will have another birthday. She will put on a dress, stand in front of the tree or sit on the limb and smile her beautiful smile. She will be one day closer to a beautiful adult and no longer the itty bitty baby I once held. One day, she we will line up all these pictures and she will remember this fun tradition. One day she may start birthday traditions with her own family.
For now we will put on a dress, take a picture, have cake and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ and enjoy the day and the moment of another birthday and the possibility of another year.
Happy Birthday Lizzie.