The week of Five.

Everyone always says it, but they say it because it's just flat out true...where does the time go? How is it that we have a five year old? Weren't you just doing that hilarious one legged hook crawl thing that had us all in stitches as you were learning to scootch across the floor? Now we are preparing for kindergarten?! Come again?!

But celebrating this big birthday for you sweet girl was such a treat...you were SO excited to turn 5. One hand, all fingers. Big stuff.
We celebrated as we always seem to- with multiple gatherings and parties. We really like stretching out the birthday gatherings in this family it seems.

First up, your actual birthday. The morning started with a tower of donuts and ended with Grammie, Kay Kay, salmon (because "salmon and any other kind of fish except spicy fish" is your favorite), ice cream sandwiches, and a test run on your new bike.

 

 

For your friend party this year I gave you the choice of having an activity at a location of your choosing and being able to invite all your friends, or to have it at the house and just invite your special girlfriends over. You chose to have it at our house. No wavering. I think a part of you knew it would be special to complete your fifth birthday where we've had all your parties at our little house one more time.

Once again, our good luck charm on weather- it was a most gorgeous day, and thankfully not too hot for the kids since it was all outside.

The theme: Fairies. We even had a real life (wink, wink) fairy come to transform you each into individual fairies and perform some magic! Watching you girls with the wonder and amazement in your eyes, was for me the most magical part of it all.



 

 

Her Lily girl.

 

I just saw a Fairy. Right over there. Check it out!

 

 

 

 Lily, Charlotte, Mary Lou and Siena.

 

 

"All you need is faith and trust...and a little pixie dust!"-- Tinkerbell

 

And lastly, your family party at an afternoon Mariner's baseball game. It seemed a good way to round out all the glitter and sparkles from the day before, and one of the things I love so dearly about you my girl. You are a great many things: dressing up in frills one day, and naming each of the players on your favorite team the next.

You were surrounded by family who love you and support you and celebrate everything that makes you YOU. All while sweating profusely on the hottest day of the year so far in our bleacher seats.

Somebody isn't quite as big a fan of the Moose as you are yet...

 

 

I love you so much my big kid. My heart explodes for you.

I am eternally grateful for the day you were born, and I'm so very lucky to be your mama.

 

Happy birthday my love.

xoxo



Ballet Watch Week.

A few weeks back it was the end of another session of ballet, which concludes with "Watch Week"...the week we parents get to come see how they spend their hour each Saturday, instead of peeking through the veiled curtains.

 

I love this time. And not just because there is nothing I enjoy more than watching my girls do something they enjoy, but because I just love everything this little studio is about. It's not a fancy performance, there aren't matching outfits or mandatory extra rehearsals. It's just us getting to see them do their thing. They focus on aspects of movement, go through the steps of the Brain Dance, incorporate reading, discuss how their body can do so many cool motions, perform a special piece they've been working on, and make each little girl feel like the special dancer that she is.

 

I think that's what I love the most...who knows if ballet is something that will stick with Charlotte long term, but each time she walks into that studio and I read all the posters and messages that they are teaching these kiddos: that their body's are capable and amazing just the way they are...I know she is in a good place. I get that she is too young to read them all or grasp the full meaning, but I hope that places like will continue to help mold her and be a model for her in this world where body image and self worth can be so intertwined.

 

Raising girls is a great privilege, and the most wonderful challenging adventure of my life. I want to them to always know that they are capable. That we are thankful for our healthy bodies that let us run, and jump, and dance.

 

And that they are perfect, just the way they are.