Alexa's 5th Birthday

Today was Alexa's big day!  5 years old, on a Saturday, when Papa could stay home from work and be part of the entire shebang.  And since she has school friends for the first time, she got to invite more friends than ever before, so her party was a big deal.  

Thankfully, my parents are visiting and are being super helpful, from running grocery errands to cutting out craft supplies for the party, to finishing up the cupcakes, washing up dishes, hanging birthday banners, etc. David was hugely instrumental, too, as always, making sure all things were thought through and helping blow up balloons until close to midnight. :)  He's my favorite husband of all time. ;-)  <3 div="">

All in all, it was a great success.  Turns out, planning and throwing a party whilst hugely pregnant is not to be underestimated.  Ha!  

The dearest of church friends stayed until late on Friday and helped with birthday preparations, like carving the 5 pumpkin and getting craft supplies organized.

Good morning, bright-eyes!  So happy you're 5!

 Couldn't hide her excitement!

Birthday breakfast request: Cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. <3 p="">

She was so happy to receive one of her birthday wishes:  A ring.  Such a little lady.

Party at the park.  Since we had so many kids this year, I was very much determined NOT to have the party at the house. Haha.  It was great fun and pumpkin-themed from start to finish.

Cute little creatures!

Crafting with Papa - making pumpkin woodland creatures!

Oma and Opa came toward the end of the party to help with clean-up and tear-down.

It was so fun, and I was relieved to be able to plan a pumpkin party.  Alexa had been planning her birthday for the last 9 months (easily), and the themes and ideas ranged from the most complex (fly to Vanuatu, DisneyWorld, Germany, ...) to the simplest (back yard tent party, movie house to see a movie, ...), but since they kept changing, the actual planning phase was rather short towards the end. :)

To capture a glimpse of Alexa at 5 years old: She is the most cheerful, even-keeled and sweetly dispositioned little girl.  I'm amazed at her thoughtfulness of others, her willingness to share, her charitable spirit, and her magnanimity in general.  Specific examples:  She will routinely ask very cheerfully: "Mama, what can I do for you?"  She immediately shared her brand-new birthday toys with her sisters today.  She allowed Rhea to help her unwrap her gifts.  If we tried to reprimand them to allow Alexa more independent activity and space, she was quick to defend them.  She is quick to forgive and very patient.  When I am busy with the older two during school hours and Alexa has a request, she very patiently waits her turn without nagging or whining.  I could go on and on.  We are all enjoying her personality blossom, her tender heart express itself in kind words and actions, and we are all blessed and inspired by having her around.  She's a true gem.  (Obviously, I'm a little biased. ;-) )