Evie is 5!!

Today is 5 years since our sweet Evelyn Grace was born. She was very excited about her birthday! She woke up to a traditional "Car Wash" of streamers hanging from her doorway. Then we let her choose breakfast. She choose pancakes and Grandma made a special one for the birthday girl.
Annalise was a little confused about Evie getting all the presents. During breakfast, she started to cry that she didn't get anything. Fortunately, Grandma came prepared with a pair of Hello Kitty socks all wrapped up for Annalise.

Grandpa gets goofy.

At first, Evie said that she didn't want to open any presents until she offically turned 5. At 4:30 pm CST. Well, that's a little too much waiting for me, so I convinced her to open one of her packages before school. Thanks for the Hello Kitty puzzle, paint set, and ABC game, Erica and Clay!

Then she went to school. She decided that she would like to take soft pretzels to school for her special snack. After school, she got to bring home her friend, Christopher. They had a great time playing outside on such a beautiful day. After we dropped Christopher off at home, we had the big countdown till 4:30

10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1

Happy Birthday! This is what a 5 year old looks like!

Well, then it was time to open something. Even though Dad wasn't home, I let her open a present. Mostly because the weather was excellent, and I knew it was something she had been wanting for a long time.

Evie and Annalise check out the new big kid scooter. With only two wheels!

Grandpa aids in assembly. He was a busy guy this afternoon. Working on the leaf blower, advising on the Rose of Sharon trimming, and trimming grapevines.

Looks like it won't take too long to get the hang of it.

And she's off! She spent a good half hour riding up and down the sidewalk with some of the older neighbor kids--who are really good sports to hang out with her.

Back inside, we got ready for the big birthday dinner. Since it is Ash Wednesday, she didn't get total control over the menu. We ate soup and salad, but we did finish up with cupcakes and ice cream.

Evie's birthday cake with 5 candles.

She got some new puzzles from Grandma and Grandpa--one even has 300 pieces!

And a new game from Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Kevin. It's a game about listening cleverly disguised as a pizza palor game where you take orders. Pretty sly.

And she got a new pair of rainboots to match her new coat.

We celebrated Jim's birthday while Grandma and Grandpa were visiting. Looks like he is getting either a propane tank or a helium tank for all his balloon needs.

Neither! Two entire barrels of cheese puffs. What a way to start Lent. We think his lenten sacrifice should be to give up orange foods.

And finally, we could open Taller Family packages. Thanks for the science books Uncle Mike and Aunt Denise.