My granddaughter Lyla celebrated her 5th birthday today with her mom, dad, and two siblings. We will see her soon for our big family celebration.

Lyla is smart and pretty and has a great attitude about life. “Look how beautiful it is today, Grandma,” she said one day when we went outside for a walk. And, “I love it when we do things together, Grandma and Grandpa. I hope we can do this again and again and again. “

Our daughter says that all of Lyla’s preschool teachers love her. She is tuned in and also a good friend to others. Lyla is the child in class I’d imagine those teachers know they can count on to run an errand or go check on a classmate. She can be trusted.

She and I play hide-and-seek every time Ray and I visit. This is our special activity together, and no matter how many times we do it, we always end up laughing.

How lucky I am to have this darling girl in my life. I am grateful for her solid, kind, and clear-eyed presence.

Happy Birthday, Lyla. Grandma loves you very much.

Lyla with big sister Luna

Lyla at ballet

Lyla, Luna, Nico