Yet another year has passed and Hammie can now simultaneously declare her age and give a high-five. Things move along as they should with Hammie continuing to grow in both stature and intellect. Physical feats are ever more impressive and Hammie is eager to show what she can do. An incessant "look at! look at me!" often proceeds displays of skill and I am in genuine awe at what she can do. From "frog jumps" to scaling a 14 meter climbing wall (about 42 feet), Hammie is quite the active little girl.
Hammie has also officially entered the "princess phase" and often insists on being called sparkle/moon/butterfly/rainbow/pirate princess. It's as if Disney has invented a pink glittery tractor-beam that sucks in our little girls and spits them out bejeweled and singing their latest theme song. For those of you that don't interact with young girls or haven't walked within earshot of an elementary school, the song of the moment is "Let it go" from Disney's Frozen. Hammie runs around belting out the chorus wherever we go and she quickly reminds me that I don't sing it right when I try to join in. I'm just thankful my little princess isn't afraid to get dirty as she still likes to help her dad with building projects and and playing in the dirt.
Those that have spent some time with Hammie have surely encountered "Ella Mouse". Well her imaginary rodent friend is still very much a part of our lives and while Hammie is quick to point out that "Ella mouse is not real" it doesn't stop her from having a spot at the dinner table or tickling her best friend.
The biggest news for Hammie is that she is now a big sister. The buildup was pretty long as she saw her mom's belly grow in anticipation of having a baby brother for her birthday but as the due date came and went Nalani resorted to talking with the bulging belly and asking Ting-ting to come (Ting-ting is what Hammie decided we should call her brother until we settle on a name). No amount of pleading would quicken the gestation period and Ting-ting kept us waiting all the way until August 3rd but Hammie forgives him and is a proud, loving big sister.
Balloons in the bed is a birthday tradition in the Kearney household.
Lina brings out this years cake with friends Noel and Lova ready to help eat.
Obligatory blowing of the candles
Count 'em, five candles
"Ice-cream bomb" with fresh berries. Even with a giant belly my heroic wife managed to whip up another amazing birthday cake.
Hammie and Ting-ting. A proud big sister and her little brother.
Gimme Five
