Dot is 5!

It can't be.  But she assures us it is and the birthday balloon fairy arrived.  Guess so.

Birthday outfit #1

She had a special birthday celebration at school that morning.  We made Minnie and Mickey cookies and pretzel treats.

 

Amma was here with us, the most special birthday treat of all.  After school Audrey had ballet and piano lessons - 2 of her fav things.  Afterwards she found birthday outfit #3.  Somehow #2 didn't make it in a picture.

Dad came home early and she mustered lots of present-hunting energy even after her busy day.  A huge thank you to all friends and family who were so thoughtful and generous.  Lots of Minnie, Legos, R2D2, ballerinas, and books - perfect.

She's been very interested in Natalie's scooter and got her own.  She's been hard at practice.

Her birthday dinner choices - sausage, noodles, broccoli.

Wonder what she wished?

She was a big help decorating her cake the day before too.

Saturday brought our epic 30" snow storm but that didn't stop her very first friend birthday party!  Minnie themed, of course.  Most folks were from the neighborhood so they bundled up and braved the sidewalks.  That sounds kinda silly but it really was work to trudge over!  Lots of adults stayed and we had a rousing good time all afternoon.

 Audrey decorated all of the favor bags.

 Lunch was ham, macaroni and cheese, and fruit salad.

 We had crafts and games.

 And many generous gifts from friends who obviously know her well.  It was another really great day.  A gigantic thank you to Linda for all of her help getting everything ready and being here with us all week (and a few bonus days).  We couldn't have done it without you and you being here was the best gift of all.

As I said when Natalie turned 5, I remember looking at oh-so tiny baby Audrey and wondering what she'd look like and who she'd be at 5.  For some reason 5 was the mark of a big kid.  I was focused on getting her to 5 lbs - 5 years seemed so far away.  It wasn't.  And my most vivid imagination couldn't have captured the girl that she is today.  Must be because she got all the imagination.  She's always full of stories and songs and twirls, brilliantly smart, kind to others, a fast learner, strongly affectionate, wildly goofy, inspiringly musical, and literally on her toes most of the time.  I can scarcely think what the next 5 years will hold. 

 

Audrey Rose, you light up our lives, we adore you, and we thank God for perfect you.