FINALLY FIVE

And just like that she is FIVE. 

Bella is five!

Seems like a milestone, true childhood. Goodbye baby, toddler and "preschool" years.
She has been asking when she is five for about 9 months now at least once every week. And finally, finally it came!

Obviously on her birthday she was more than a little thrilled to go to school.

The night before she had opened a package from Grandma and Grandpa Stanger and gotten a few new things; one being a new dress. Which she proudly wanted to wear right away.

At school she got to be the "special helper" (it's a big deal) and cupcakes and got sung to too, it was pretty much a dream come true.

After school she got to play at the park!

That night she picked dinner out at a Japenese Hibachi Grill, Tanzo.

Also known as "the fire place" to the kids. Due to the big fire performance while they cook.

Daddy even spoiled her with a special drink!

Sydney did NOT like the fire,
but Daddy helped her be brave.

When we got home we made marshmallow and strawberry kabobs.

And played with balloons!

And Bella posed for pictures as she anxiously awaited, PRESENT TIME!

And before long it was officially time for the unwrapping!

All Daddy's idea, and she was
head over heals for her music/jewelry box!

Lovin on her new "birdie" puppet.

She was perfectly please with being spoiled with love, attention, and presents!

She was SO HAPPY!

Now it was on to cake time! 

(Thanks for the baking skills MOM! I love living near my Mom!)

It was a perfect celebration for our birthday girl!

And after all the excitement she wrapped up in her new mermaid blanket for a family movie but didn't quite make it.