Celebrate Good Times, Come On...

GRACE IS 5!!!!

And, boy oh boy did it sneak up on us.  

These last 5 years have been the best years of our lives, but they went by faster than any other 5 years combined.  I guess the saying is true in reference to having kids, 

"the days are long, but the years are short."

You blink and they are grown.  It just makes us want to soak in even more every second we have with her and make every moment count.  

5=

Kindergarten

Her last year at home with mommy

No more baby (except she'll always be my "baby")

More responsibilities 

More to process and learn

More...More...More...etc. etc. etc.

What an age.  So monumental in numerous was.

But, more on all that in my special, "You're 5," post (soon to come).

Since we love Gracie birthdays so much we have had her party planned for the last 3 months.

After I found out they did birthday parties at Jazzercise (where I go for exercise) I immediately booked hers.....after relaying it to Grace and after she replied with a screech and a very loud and exuberant YES.  

And, after it was all said and done, I'd have to say this was probably the most fun I've had at a party (right there next to her 3rd birthday at Pump It Up in Tacoma).  

The goody "bags" aka Dollar Store 100 piece Toy Story Puzzles. Score and oh so fun and perfect as my girl is overly passionate about puzzles and she wanted to share her love of them with all her friends.  

 I adore the backwards "z."  And, the heart she turned into an ice cream cone at the bottom (sadly I had to cut off 1/2 of the cone part in order to make the paper fit into the plastic holder)

The party table

And, it begins.  Louise was incredible with all the kids (15 in all + 3 babies)

A warm up with some balls.  She really worked these kiddos. I was very impressed with all she got them to do and how they just jumped right in and did it, no questions asked.

Doing the Robot.  My girl has got it down.  

Girl has got some sweet moves.  

Hula Hoop fun.  They best part, they were having so much fun they didn't realize they were even exercising.  

And, who wouldn't want to get in on the fun, not I!  And, not Jennifer.  We couldn't stop laughing.  

Our Japanese Community Friend, Tetta came and brought 3 of his friends.  They had a BLAST!  It was incredible to watch them with the kids.  I am so glad they all came and got to have fun and enjoy a 5 year olds birthday party.

My girl was SO brave.  I could not believe my shy girl who gets anxious very easily got up on stage with Louise and danced.  She was amazing and I was so proud.

Other mama friends got in on the action.  Go Tiff and Elie

So sweet: Zaden and Rachel

And, my bud Brooke with sweet Addie

It was Disco and Dancing Queen time.  

That's right-a wicked awesome disco ball!

Playing a cat and mouse game.  

Instead of a cake or cupcakes we made Jessie hat cookies.  But, Grace also got a special birthday girl cup cake so she could blow out a candle (her request).  Thank you Fred Meyer for making the most scrumptious "gourmet cup cake" I have ever tasted.

One of my favorite moments.

I love my friends.  So thankful that after only living here for 7 months we have a group of incredible people who love my girl and really truly care about her and were willing to celebrate with us.  It makes not having family in town that much more bearable. 

Classic Grace....licking the frosting.  

Girlfriend is BLESSED! She received so many wonderful gifts for her birthday.  Thank you everyone for being so incredibly generous.

Gift Time

She was like a old soul while opening her gifts.
Very poised and respectful.  She did a great Vanna White impersonation with showing off each gifts she received.

Her sweet as pie "Thank You" face.

Thank you Brooke for catching some great moments for me!

Well, until next year my dear.  I am looking forward to what we'll do and how we'll celebrate.  Just don't grow up too fast.  I can only imagine how fast these next 5 years will go.  Oh, to only be able to slow down time....