An Early Start

To Christmas, that is. December might not start until tomorrow, but it's already time for Christmas in our town. This year we met up with Caitie and her family and opted to go right to the carriage rides, and despite getting there right at the start of the evening, we still ended up waiting in line at least an hour. Fortunately Mike was willing to hold our place while the kids burned some energy on the lawn across the street, until finally, finally, it was our turn.

We then popped into the fire station but were determined to make it to the tree lighting so we only made a quick stop. Which was just as well since they closed up the fire truck shortly afterwards so someone special could take a ride in a bit.

We walked up to the center of town to wait for the tree lighting and were very excited to see Santa riding into town on his fire truck.

Santa set off the countdown to the tree lighting, which Kate later told me was her favorite part. The countdown, I mean. The girls were a little disappointed by the anti-climactic lighting of the tree.

Afterwards, it was just...over. But we all had fun, and that's what matters!

A Whole Hand

Our little girl is FIVE today! Five fingers, a whole hand.

Before I took her annual picture with the teddy bear, she insisted on taking a picture with some other friends first. It may look like a random assortment to the rest of us, but apparently when you're five it makes perfect sense.

Then Kate wanted in on the action too. I mean, come on. They never cooperate like this when I ask for it!

I made cupcakes for her to take to school which fortunately did not turn into an all-nighter like last year. Vegan vanilla cupcakes what with all the allergies in her class, topped with chocolate frosting, her favorite. I'm saving the pink and princesses for her birthday party this weekend.

Such a big number for such a big girl. I think back on that day, and the weeks of waiting beforehand, and it feels like forever ago and yet not at all long enough for my baby to be five. FIVE! It happens every year, and every year I am so thankful for another year to spend with my beautiful, smart, funny, charming, princess-obsessed little girl.

Five-Year Stats: 37 3/4 lbs. (50%) and 43 inches (50-75%)

Brave, Brave, Brave

Someone is obsessed. No matter that she hasn't seen the movie, Emily is all Merida, all the time. Maybe it's the red hair, or maybe she digs the accent (I certainly do), I don't know. If a Brave party is what she wants for her fifth birthday, a Brave party she will get. Starting with the cake.

After cake it was time for more presents. Or, more Brave presents, I should say. Actually, there were plenty of non-Brave presents, but I can't lie. Those were her favorites. We started the movie before everyone had even left.

Afterwards, we snuck outside for a big family portrait. And a little family portrait too.

Then we headed back inside for some cousin playtime, and finally, finally, a Brave screening.

Happy birthday to our little Merida. May you always shoot for your own hand...and know that you are so very loved.