Turning 5

Turning 5 is a very big deal. We have been mentally preparing for this day for months. It took some explaining though to help her understand that there was no miraculous growth on birthday morning. She really thought she would be bigger! I guess it is time for that growth chart idea. Yeah, lets start it with child #3 on her 5th birthday. No time lost!

We learned something about Carra on this birthday. She loves surprises. She refuses to peek, ask questions or even eavesdrop on what her present might be. We had fun teasing her that she was getting Thomas the Train, Legos, and a skateboard because of the ruckus she would make when she thought we were spilling the beans. She didn't inherit that from Auntie Brandi! (Don't fret Brandi. I think you still have a following with Mikayla and Brice.)

If you asked Carra what she wanted for her birthday she would consistently reply with "An American doll." (American Girl doll). Thankfully, Target sells a cheaper version and Carra is thrilled. The doll came with the name Cathrynn, but has since had the name changed to Melissa, and then to Felicity. I'm sure it will change again tomorrow!

The neatest gift she got though was from Aunt Brandi in Colorado. She sent her a ball. She simply wrote the addresses and messages on the ball and the mailman stamped a sticker on it an delivered it to our door. No box. Just the ball. Too cool. A great way to make a simple gift stand out from the rest! Carra was tickled! The mail carrier said that it was officially the oddest thing she had ever delivered - topping the coconut she delivered once. (If you are considering doing this, be careful of the size of the ball. If it is too big, they will charge you $20 - the mailman warned me!)

And so we come to the cake. The idea was supposed to be "Strawberry Shortcake." We ended up with "Just a Strawberry." It looks better than it tasted. Somehow the frosting tasted "distusting". I take no offense - but don't mention it to Betty Crocker.

Thank You to Grandma and Grandpa Powers for the video and shirt. The shirt is a new favorite! (Do you see it in some of the pictures?) Maybe now I can successfully get rid of the old favorite rainbow frog shirt she outgrew on her LAST birthday!

Happy Birthday, Carra!