My first babygirl is turning five years old … and I’m not sure how to put into words the emotion this brings me. Sitting here, typing out f-i-v-e-y-e-a-r-s-o-l-d … it just really chokes me up. It seems there is something about the significance of this birthday, yet I cannot quite put my finger on it. She is a big girl now.

The Friday night before her birthday we had a small party to celebrate with friends and family. She really wanted an Ariel birthday cake.

When her birthday finally arrived, she grinned from the moment she woke up until the end of the day, when it finally sucked every last ounce out of her.  She completely enjoyed all of the attention.  All.  Day.  Long.

The two of us enjoyed the morning getting her first manicure and pedicure. We wanted to be sure she was ready for her date later in the evening.

For Anna Kate’s birthday dinner, we decided that Jim would take her on a daddy/daughter date. He went by Kroger and bought her a bouquet of flowers. Her face was priceless when he brought them to her. My mom did a great job of capturing her facial expression.
 Anna Kate decided that she wanted to go eat Mexcian for her birthday. She LOVES cheese. It is her favorite food.

When they came back home we enjoyed ice cream and presents as a family. The boys wanted to use their own money to buy her birthday presents. Judd bought her coloring books and new stickers. She also LOVES to color.

Jake loved the card he picked out for her and he bought her a set of Lego Friends, which she wanted for quite awhile. Today was a great day full of memories! It was a lot of fun for all of us.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!  You are such a lovely daughter, a helpful big sister, and a beautiful little person.