Under The Sea

Makayla knew what birthday party she wanted for about a year now: An Ariel party. We had so much fun planning her 5th Birthday "Under the Sea" party!

We had some cute Ariel decorations with Swedish fish, goldfish crackers, Hershey Kisses ("Kiss the Girl"), and crab salad (Sebastian's crab dip)

 We had "Ariel's Mermaid Punch" and her cake on the table.

We made blue Jello with whip cream and crushed graham crackers to look like the ocean and beach. We even put Swedish fish in it, but it did not taste good. Everyone knew it was more for the looks of it anyway!

 I made her this Ariel birthday sign with her balloons.

We put all of her presents around "Ariel's Treasure Trove"

 For the game we played "Under the Sea Fishing" each kid got to go fishing and got a cute little toy.

 Thanks to Tyler for being our big fish!

After teh game Makayla got to open her presents. She was spoiled with a lot of clothes, Barbies, Legos, and crafts. She loved all of her gifts!

 Some of us had fun watching her open presents and taking selfies.

Others were bored. Ha ha! We love Maddie!

 Then Makayla got to blow out her candle on her cake.

Happy 5th Birthday Cutie! We love you!

At Last I See The Light (Makayla's Dance Concert)

Today Makayla had her dance concert in her 2nd year of dance at Synergy Dance Academy. She danced to "At Last I See The Light" from Tangled. Her costume was stunning! Of course we had to get some pictures before we left: 

Makayla is in a jazz/ballet class this year and she has really excelled. She is always practicing her moves and tricks at home. I know I'm prejudice, but she is the best one in her class. She is a great leader for her classmates, and is in the front row for her dance.

Her concert was in the gym this year (which I did not love), but she went out there and did an amazing job.

 Afterward we took a lot of pictures with everyone who came to see her dance.  We have such a supportive family! Makayla is so lucky to have so many people who come to see her do what she loves!

Makayla we love to see you dance! It is so fun to see you improve this year and see your confidence grow.

We Blinked and She Turned Five

Five years ago our first baby was born. It was one of the best days of our entire lives because we were finally parents to the sweetest little baby. 

And just like that we blinked and she is five years old today. Five years? How did those five years go by so fast? Now we have an adorable, smart, energetic, bossy, opinionated, and grown up little girl! 

 Makayla is such a good girl. She has such a great desire to learn. She is so smart in school and is already reading. She excels in dance and tumbling, and always tries her best. She is such a good helper to help around the house and take care of her younger siblings. Makayla has a very bossy side too, and I often have to tell her that she's not the parent and to not yell at Caden. Despite her bossiness, she is my little best friend, and I can't imagine my life without her.

To celebrate turning five Makayla got to get a manicure and a pedicure. She sat in a cute little Hello Kitty chair and was pampered like a true princess that she is!

 After that we went to get her a special birthday drink. Makayla picked out the Elsa drink.

 Later that day we got to go to lunch with both of Makayla's grandmas and her cousin Sadie. She got to pick her favorite place and she picked Taco Time. I must be doing something right! :)

When Daddy got home that night Makayla got to open her presents. 

 She got Ariel Legos just like she asked for!

 She also got a Precious Moment Belle figurine, slippers and a robe, and some nail polish and lip gloss.

 Of course we had to take a lot of pictures. I love how Makayla has to do a different pose for each picture.

My favorite part of birthdays is to ask the kids their birthday interview questions. I love to see how some things stay the same year after year and how so many things change as they grow up. Here's Makayla's 5 year interview:

1. What is your favorite color? "Uh... Pink and purple... and red." 

2. What is your favorite toy? "My Baby Joell"

3. What is your favorite food? "Grapefruit." 

4. What is your favorite show? "Monsters Inc."

5. What do you like to eat for lunch? "Ham and bread and butter and grapefruit."

6. What is your favorite thing to wear? "My Belle costume."

7. What is your favorite game? "Uh... the princess one. Remember how you make crowns and bracelets, and rings... that one."

8. What is your favorite song? "Shake it off"

9. What is your favorite book? "If You Give a Dog a Donut"

10. Who is your best friend? "Caden and Brynnli" (last year Makayla said her best friend was not Caden, so I'm happy to see we've made some improvement there!)

11. Where is your favorite place to go? "The movie theatre"

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? "A mom and that's all"

13. What is your favorite thing about Caden? "That I get to play with him."

14. What is your favorite thing about Brynnli?  "That she gives me hugs"

15. What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? "Play the piano with him"

16. What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? "Play with her."

Oh Makayla! My sweet baby is growing up way too fast!  My life was infinitely better the day you were born and I became your mommy. You are truly my best little friend. I love how you always try to do your best in everything you do. I love that one of our special jokes right now is when I tell you I won't let you grow up, and you tell me you will still give me kisses and still be my little girl even if you get big. You are one of the best things that has ever happened to me and Daddy! Happy Birthday Cutie!!