Fifth Birthday Adventures

For your fifth birthday, we had planned a mini party at the park in Dyersburg for preschool classmates & friends. I expected a small turnout but to our delight, the birthday crowd was exceptional. It was perfect for a Saturday at the park----in the shade, we celebrated with bubbles, cupcakes, pizza, and conversation and with the summer heat on high, we enjoyed sweaty zipper and swing sessions. It was spectacular loading & unloading birthday treats and gifts from Daddy's new truck just for you. It was the truck's first journey---packed with birthday setup gear and outfitted with your car seat to drive you to the park to enjoy your day!

Surprise! Yiayia showed up in TN for your birthday party at the park!

And Papou too! Double surprise!!

Birthday "Cheese" with Daddy

Yes! That's an ICING only cupcake from Mommy! Your favorite--icing only!

Sophia & Drue---always fun to meet up again (baby, toddler friends...now children)

Birthday Gifts for YOU

A New Sun-Visor for VACAY

"Zipper" fun at the park with Daddy

Additionally, we planned a destination birthday for you to celebrate turning five somewhere away from home! Daddy & I took you to Atlanta to celebrate your fifth birthday with family--Yiayia, Papou, Uncle Pete, Aunt Holly, cousins--Alex, Zach, & Elle-------but we also had planned on taking you to your first American Girl Store. 

American Girl Store to the Left

After arriving in Atlanta late Friday night, we drove to Alpharetta's North Point Mall for your birthday treat! You knew that we were going to the American Girl Store but since you had never been you weren't sure what we were looking for....at the mall, you spotted a carousel and asked to ride it with Daddy. After one ride, we walked around the mall in search of our destination. From the top floor of the mall, you spotted the store with a little prompting from Daddy. Immediately, your eyes lit up! You knew that the American Girl Store housed dolls and accessories because you were familiar with the catalogs that arrived at our home throughout the year. Additionally, you love your Itty Bitty Baby that you received from friends three Christmas seasons. Baby Litsa as you called her comes most places with us. She had even traveled to Atlanta with us.

You spotted the store down below---EXCITED!

Held captive by each display....

Investigating---silently thinking...

Once we arrived at the store, you were mesmerized. You were not sure what to look at first. You made sure that Daddy was near as you called out his name, "Daddy." You were sure that whatever you wanted, he'd comply with your desires. We walked through the store and you were entranced with the babies---the Itty Bitty babies. You had even set down a pair of reading glasses that you had selected for your baby doll. We could see your mind thinking but you were not really voicing all of your thoughts. Although at the end, you started handing us boxes---a doctor's kit, a pajama set for your baby, a matching pj set for yourself, and.....Caroline after setting aside the Itty Bitty baby you had selected. You decided that you did want a doll. Thus, the adventures of Caroline began.

In love with your new doll, Caroline---already!

Sophia lets Caroline try on her new reading glasses.

No sooner did we leave the store....Caroline was retrieved from the box. She became another new companion. As we walked through the mall, she spotted other friends that had dolls like her and others in tote. All of you girls smiled at one another as you proudly carried your American Girl Dolls next to your hearts. Precious. While Mommy dropped in at the Coach boutique and at Ann Taylor to make a return, Daddy and you enjoyed a Haagen Dazs treat with Caroline. Then, Daddy and I opted for some Starbucks as the three of us headed back to Marietta to enjoy dinner with family at La Parrilla Mexican Restaurant. You enjoyed dinner with family and cousins------and a birthday song in Spanish.

Sophia, Alex, Zach, & Elle

Happy Birthday Sophia!

Daddy & You

Mommy & You

Giving kisses to your baby cousin, Elle

Feeding Baby Elle (Captivated by a real baby)

Then on Sunday, June 9th, your true fifth birthday, you enjoyed time with family again---and said goodbye to Daddy so that he could make his way back home without us since we were traveling to Greece from Atlanta early that week via buddy passes from Uncle Pete. We almost had to leave with Daddy and Caroline because your embrace around Daddy was so tight and you really didn't want to let you of Caroline either. However, Mommy couldn't see how she'd get two of us and two dolls through the airport. Thus, we reluctantly had to say good-bye. Daddy missed your presence the minute he arrived home but he had a new partner in crime, Caroline.

A Silly Good-bye with Daddy

Someone didn't want to let go....

 Happy Birthday Sophia! May all your birthday wishes and the desires of your heart always become your reality! We love you more than we could ever share with you----and what we give to you is only to bring joy to your life for we know that love is shown through the time we spend together making memories!