Lola is FIVE!

Our Lola Grace turned 5 on Monday. We can't believe what a big girl she is. She had so much fun planning for her special day. She had a princess party a few days before her real birthday with her 4 best friends (excluding her sister, who begrudgingly attended school that day!). We played musical princesses (like musical chairs, using princesses instead), we colored castles, we made lovely bracelets, and we danced like princesses all morning long! Then we opened presents and devoured a yummy castle cake and mint chip ice cream (Lola's fav--also happens to be mine too--go figure...) and rode bikes--all part of Lola's plans. Very fun!
On her real birthday, Lola requested a breakfast of sausage, bacon, eggs and pancakes...this girl can eat! We opened presents after a dinner of baked potato soup (per Lola's request) and played with all the new stuff until it was time to go to bed.
Rich and I were somewhat overwhelmed during all this celebration as we pondered on the miraculous progress we have seen in our Lola in these 5 years. The small things we parents can sometimes take for granted were just so exciting to us. She could communicate all of her desires for her special day, she could ride bikes with her friends, she knew who she wanted at her party and what kind of cake she liked best: She is, basically, a very normal 5 year old girl! And, most of all, she is so very happy! This is no small miracle, and we are grateful everyday for the blessings we have experienced throughout her life. We sure love her!