Riley is FIVE!!!

How is it possible that she is already five?  I don't want to be one of those parents that mourns the phases that we have already experienced.  But it's kinda hard not to. It really does seem like only a couple of weeks ago she was still sitting in her bouncy seat! 

But this girl is big!  Her personality gets bigger everyday (as does her vocabulary- Thank you Fancy Nancy books). She loves to go to BSF and have play dates with her friends. She teaches her "kids" (dolls and stuffed animals) about Jesus. It is so humbling and heart-melting to hear those moments when she doesn't know I am listening.  She can't wait to start school in the fall.  She is so motivated to learn how to write and read… and be more and more independent.   Following are the 20 questions we've been asking her on her birthday for the past 3 years.  It's pretty neat to watch how little some of her favorites have changed and how much other's have changed.

1.  What is your favorite color? Pink and purple

2.  What is your favorite toy? Bunny & Twilight

3. What is your favorite fruit? Strawberries

4. What is your favorite TV show? Doc McStuffins

5. What is your favorite thing to have for lunch?  Ham and cheese

6.  What is your favorite outfit?  My fancy party dress (gift from Nona & Poppi for her birthday)

7.  What is your favorite game? Dancing ball

8. What is your favorite snack? Oatmeal Candy

9. What is your favorite animal?  Peacock

10. What is your favorite song? Joy to the World

11. What is your favorite book? Sleeping Beauty and Jasmine

12. Who is your best friend? Millie 

13. What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms

14.  What is your favorite thing to do outside? Swing on my swings

15. What is your favorite drink? Sprite

16.What is your favorite holiday? Christmas Eve

17. What is your favorite thing to take to bed with you at night? Bunny

18. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Pasta Salad

19. What is your favorite breakfast? Waffles

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A cheerleader (God help me)

Under the Sea Party

I am not good at parties. I don't do "themes" very well.  I lack the hospitality and creativity that everyone on Pinterest seems to have.  But these lack of characteristics don't keep me from trying to create a fun birthday party for my kids.  So this year, Riley wanted a "Little Mermaid" party.  She's never seen the movie or read the book.  Puzzled at her choice, I took to Pinterest. So we had "Starfish Sandwiches" (or really, sandwiches that were star-shaped), and "Oyster Sandwiches" (croissants, thanks Walmart!) for the adults.

Next we had Crabby dip.  This was supposed to have red bell peppers cut and shaped like a crab on top of the crab dip. Unfortuately, the red bell pepper, that was three times the expense of the green bell pepper, rotted in my refrigerator before the party. No thanks Walmart.

And lastly, we had a goldfish bar complete, with three different kinds of Goldfish, and a sushi bar.  This was my favorite thing.  We've done it before and it's always a huge hit.  It's Rice Krispies Treats with Swedish fish, or any kind of gummy candy, wrapped in Fruit Roll-ups. So fun! Oh, and I forgot the "Ocean Water" (Sprite with blue coloring and a swedish fish floating in it).  This was the extent of my theme.  While that was all cool and fun to do, I didn't do any activities or picture backdrops or party table. This is where I feel like a failure. Thanks Pinterest. 

But this sweetie loved all of my efforts and did not acknowledge my shortcomings.  She had a blast. She got to wear the party dress that her Nona & Poppi got her. And she was surrounded by her very best friends, which she knew was the best part of the party.

They are almost sitting still.  Note how many girls there are here.  Jackson and Dawson were hanging out in their car seats, so they aren't pictured here. From left: Macy, Caroline, Millie, Audrey, Riley, Sarah, Jude, and Rachel. These little bodies were so busy and having so much fun that our little house almost exploded with laughter and yelling and running. While this delighted my heart, it rattle my nerves. Next year, her party will be at a larger location.

Time for cake! I made cupcakes because I do not do cakes well.  My Grandma would not be proud of this as she always made the most amazing cakes. But really, I don't know why I even bother with cupcakes. My kids do not like cake in any form and just eat the icing. Next time maybe just donuts. 

Joy, pure Joy. Oh Jesus, you have blessed me beyond measure.

Ah hahaha! Sarah went face first into her gummy octopus.

I caught Audrey sitting like such a big girl in Riley's chair, so I had to snap a picture.  But Audrey is not a fan of my camera.

Jude usually hates his picture being taken. But he can't handle someone else getting my attention.  Side note: my New Year's Resolution is to learn how to take better pictures with my camera.

I'd have to give Riley's party a large two thumbs up for fun, shortcomings and all!