Rose is FIVE

Rose - How on earth is my little princess 5 years old?!? The years are going by in a blur. While I keeping wishing time would go slower, you can't wait to grow up and be "bigger than Pa!" You have high aspirations, but I gently remind you to focus on being bigger than Mom. That will likely be a more attainable goal.

You are definitely our little diva. You love to get dolled up in dresses and skirts. I've caught you on many an occasion riffling through my makeup so that you can "look beautiful like a rock star".  You love music, shaking to the groove and twirling around and around. You've got quite the moves.

You love making new friends wherever we go. You will approach any kid you see to ask if they want to play with you. You are a social butterfly, yet shy when it comes to performing in front of a crowd. You have yet to participate in the many dance routines that you have worked so hard to learn. Hopefully sometime soon we will get to see you strut your moves on stage.

Whenever you are sad or sleepy, you always ask for your Tutu. You have had your Tutu since you were a baby. You currently have 4 of the exact same Tutu, but only 1 of them you love. It's been worn in over the years and the tag is just barely holding on. You love the tag on your Tutu and will rub it on your nose with your left hand as you suck your middle and ring fingers on your right hand. You can not fall asleep without your favorite Tutu and fingers.

When you fell and broke your arm, breaking our 11 year streak of no broken bones, thankfully it was your left arm. We would have been in a world of trouble if you hadn't been able to suck those fingers of yours because only the 2 on your right hand will do. Of all the kids, it wasn't a surprise that you were the one to break our no-broken-bones streak. You have no fear - jumping, running, climbing, and doing somersaults off the couch. You are one active little girl.

You say and do the most adorable things. You love pushing the button to ride the "alligator" (aka elevator).  You are scared of "biters" just like your mom (aka spiders). You are always "super excited", even about the smallest of things, like going to Target. Whenever you run an errand with Pa, you hide in the mudroom and make Pa announce that he "left you at the store". Then I must pretend that you aren't actually hiding in the mudroom as you sneak through the hall, up behind me and tickle my back. Then you laugh and laugh that you "joked" Mom yet again.

You are a little fish. You are drawn to the water wherever you go. The pool, the lake, the tub and even the sink. You can spend an hour standing at the sink washing your toys and making quite the wet mess in the bathroom.  It takes you no time at all to get completely soaked whenever water is in your vicinity.

You have become such a good big sister. While you and Kate still fight often, you are always on the lookout making sure your baby sis is safe and sound. You eagerly help her go up and down the stairs. And whenever Kate gets herself in trouble by climbing up on something she shouldn't, you are even quicker than Mom to run over and hold her tight until I can make my way over to help her down.

When asked about your favorite things, you enthusiastically answered each question (you definitely know what you like!):

Favorite food: "cottage cheese and pickles" and "cheesy chips" aka tortilla chips with melted cheddar cheese
Favorite color: rainbow and orange
Favorite book: Fish Out of Water
Favorite game: tag and golf
Favorite show: 3Below and Spider-Man

You got to choose whatever you wanted to do on your birthday. And what did you request? To play outside, watch your favorite show "Look Below" (it's actually called 3Below, but for some reason you always forget) and have dinner at "Old McDonalds".

Since getting your cast, we've been spending more time indoors. So you eagerly made sure to fit in all your favorite outside activities today - driving your jeep, scooting on your scooter, riding your trike and playing on the swing set.  You even got to pet and brush the neighbor's dog. And with how much you LOVE dogs, that made your day!

Out of all the restaurants that you could have selected for dinner, you choose "Old McDonalds". For some reason you always put the "old" in front of it - it must be from the song. You love McDonalds! A restaurant that serves fries AND has an indoor play park - it's your idea of the perfect place to eat. Every time you mention it, I respond, "Ewww, McDonald's food is gross." To which you reply, "No Mom. It's good. Just give it a try, Mom." And because it was your birthday, I did.

All ready for "Old McDonalds"

We ended the night with a Happy Birthday song and chocolate cupcakes!

Rose, you have grown into a sweet and caring, yet feisty and determined little girl. We are so blessed to be able to celebrate this special day with you. We love you! Happy 5th birthday!