Hallie is 5!!!

Hallie turned 5 last month! I don't know what it is about that number, but suddenly she is "so big." We did a few birthday parties to celebrate. For her actual birthday she went to preschool (which is one of her favorite things!) Hayden took the afternoon off and we all hung out, swimming, making and devouring lasagna, and making a lemon cake. I had no idea she liked lemon cakes, but apparently it is the only favor worth having. She actually didn't eat much of it, Hallie is not a huge fan of cake in general... But she loved that it was a ladybug.

Her friend party was all themed ladybug as well. A friend of mine mentioned that you can get ladybugs from a nursery so we got 1200 ladybugs, put them in our butterfly pavilion and did a "bug hunt treasure hunt" for one of her party games. The ladybugs were the hit of the party! We could barely tear the kids away from them to have treats and open presents! In fact adorable Hals opened half of her gifts then said, "just a minute mom, I'll be right back." Then she walked over to the ladybug pavilion and started watching the ladybugs again...lol Pretty adorable! We have great friends out here who all came to support Hallie. I think every one of her preschool friends came too!

Just starting this post got me emotional and now I'm going to let all of that gooshiness out. :) Hallie is the sweetest girl in the world! I love her SO much! I wish there was a way to convey just how special and unique and perfect she is, and just how much she fills up my heart with joy! She loves to help other people and does whenever she can. She is smiley and silly. She loves to laugh and tease. I think Hallie is also one of the most tender hearted kids I know. She cries when other people cry and gets so worried about anyone who is having a hard day. Right now one of her favorite saying is "no worries! It's ok, we're all still learning. Right?" She says it in this oober happy, positive voice. :) She is so incredible!

One of my favorite times of day is at night. We have this ritual where I come and lay by her and ask her what her favorite part of the day was. We take turns every night, but she always thinks she went first the previous night and is surprise I say that I went first..lol :) Then we talk about the day. That girl can talk! Lately I feel like she is never silent. :) She has so many things to say or observe and questions to ask. Right now is such a fun time with her! She wants to be so grown up and do so many things and is constantly learning. :)