The BIG 5

On August 29th, my baby turned 5. With a very rough started to kindergarten, her birthday gave her something to look forward to. That morning, at 6 a.m., I got up and made her a double stack pancake with chocolate, strawberries and sprinkles (her favorite toppings). We were all up and were able to sing to her. She loved it! I did good all week until we had family prayer. I broke down when I thanked my Heavenly Father for sending our family such a sweet little girl. We are so blessed to have her in our family. Gracie had a wonderful day at school, FINALLY! Then later we all went out for pizza and then came home for presents. We knew she would be incredible happy with a puppy, so we got her one with an "off" switch! She also got a jump rope, which I don't think she has put down since she got it. Currently, it is in her backpack at school. It comes out in the afternoons, but makes its way back in the backpack before walking to school. She also got more play dough. She can sit for hours and play with play dough.

A few days later, we celebrated with a real party! Gracie loved having all her friends over for cake and games. We started out with everyone making their very own stick horse. They loved coloring their ponies. I already had them stapled, so all that was left was stuffing with grocery bags and sticking in the dowel. We let them run around the house chasing one another on their ponies for a while. Then they enjoyed a snake toss (plastic of course) and they were able to practice their lassoing skills (embroidery hoop attached to a string). They enjoyed some delicious cake and watched a little bit of Spirit, one of Gracie's favorites! Before everyone went home, they were treated to our Country Candy Store. Everyone left with a half a paper bag full of sweets and horse stickers. It was so much fun throwing this party for my sweet little girl! I was hoping for more pictures, but I was busy with the kids and Justin was trying to make a little girl enjoy the party, which she did the last thirty minutes or so, (he is so sweet!) and that's why these are the only pics you get. Sorry.

Thank you to all our friends who joined us for the party!