my 5 year old

Sweet Lydia, how in the world have five years passed so quickly? 

This is one precious child of mine, and it was delight to celebrate her today. 

We prayed that God would give Lydia a brother for her birthday (just like he gave Isaac a brother - Luke was born two days after Isaac turned three).  Well, this morning my brand new five year old woke up to a house full of brothers!  After months of praying, it's amazing to look at John Paul, and Lydia... together on her birthday. 

We started with cinnamon roll breakfast (and tinted the icing pink - her choice!)

Then presents.  And skype with Grandma and Grandpa in America. 

And then a trip to the neighborhood pool.  And (imported by her grandparents) Honey Nut Cheerios for lunch.  Yes, Lydia choose the entire day's worth of menus. 

After lunch we settled on the couch for a look at her new movie, Snow White.  I thought Isaac would surely fall asleep but he managed to stay awake the entire movie - the littlest two brothers slept though :) 

For dinner we had mac n cheese and hotdogs with cupcakes for dessert - what can I say?  My children have very sophisticated taste! 

And decided while we were celebrating we might as well start Luke on some solid food :)

Ha!  just kidding.  I'm not giving Luke cupcake as a starter :)  And I'm also planning to hold off on solids as long as I possibly can - we've got quite enough action at the table these days, no use adding any additional chaos :)

This little spunky one adds a big dose of joy and energy and excitement and laughter to our home.  Praise the Lord - giver of all good gifts - who gave us this little girl to love!