Just Another Day...

Compromises...

The downside to Kate wanted to do everything like Grace- the fights!  They both wanted to walk Elliot so I came up with a compromise...

Birthday at School

I think Grace was most excited about celebrating her birthday with her class.  She couldn't wait to bring a treat- we settled on chocolate chip cookie sandwiches with frosting in the middle.  Birthday queen!

Grace Birthday Date

Grace challenged us again this year to find "something she's never done before" for her birthday "date."  I remembered my family went to DeSoto Caverns several times when I was younger and we liked it- so we decided to give it a try.  It was so much fun- even better than when I was young.  We started with a birthday muffin and headed out!

We first panned for gems :)



Pretty loot- Grace was most excited to check the chart to see what type she had found


Looking for diamonds in the sand.  I sat this one out... :)

Waiting to see the caverns

The caverns were very cool!








After a great picnic lunch we played a little more at the park


The maze!

Completed!






More gems!

This was the craziest thing I have ever seen.  It's an indoor maze and I can't believe she did it.  We thought it was just what you see here but there were extra rooms and tunnels she disappeared into also.  We talked her through from the outside and she did it in about 20 minutes.  Crazy.





It was a great day!  Happy Birthday Grace!

Happy Birthday Grace!

I know I start all these birthday posts the same way but I can't believe you are already 5!  You have really grown into a sweet young lady.  You keep everyone in our family on track :)  You love rules and make sure we all follow them.  Preschool is one of your favorite activities.  You love learning and playing with your friends.  You cannot wait to go to kindergarden next year!  You are starting to read and recognize several words.  You can write all your numbers and letters and love for me to "assign you work" to do.  You have definite opinions about your clothes and can completely dress yourself (except for tying your shoes).  You and Kate continue to be best friends and you are definitely her second mother.  You constantly look out for her and let us know when she isn't behaving.  But you do love playing with her and she worships you and wants to be exactly like you.  You girls are starting to fight a little but you are usually the one that gives in and is the patient one.  You are a daddy's girl but also like your "girl time" with me.  You never forget anything and constantly amaze us with what you know and comprehend.   We love you and can't imagine our family without you!

Grace and Aubrey

After Grace's party, we sent Kate home with Grandma and Pop and the Fowlers had to head to another event so Grace and Aubrey were the only kids at our house.  It was a rare chance to Grace and Aubrey to get to hang out alone.  They had a great time together!  Aubrey even pulled out her bling for the occasion-

Pajamas!

Jack and I challenged Grace to not accept birthday gifts for herself this year from her friends.  We have been so blessed and we sure don't need anymore toys :)  Grace loves to watch the Sprout channel and they frequently advertise a program that collects new pajamas for kids that have to be taken from their homes.  Sweet Grace asked if her gifts could be pajamas for the program. Here she is with her donations!

Grace's Pizza Party!

Grace has been talking about her 5th birthday party since September when she went to her friend's cooking birthday party.  She couldn't wait to have one of her own.
Nana made Grace her own birthday apron-


We all had a blast at Grace's party plus had some great food!


Coloring their chef hats




Cleaning the tables, getting ready for the pizza dough







Sauce and toppings!





Time to make strawberry ice cream



Putting filling in the cupcakes





Yummy Pizza!





Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!