And Just Like That...

...she's 5.

Excited is an understatement.

Traditional birthday breakfast with Daddy.

Another tradition....5 balloons on the door!

For her actual birthday, she wanted to go swimming...we have had a lot of fun this summer at our local pool, and Meredith is so proud to be able to swim all by herself.  She is now able to jump off the diving board with no life vest (and proudly tells you that the water there is "12 feet 3 inches!") and we were all thankful that the lifeguard let her go down the slides for the first time, even though she is 1/4 in. too short.

 

After we got home from the pool, the kids played outside...Meredith has been loving our new basketball hoop and often asks us to "shoot hoops" with her, or to play a game of P-I-G.

Another cupcake and more singing...

One final present from Mom and Dad!

1 day, 646 pieces and only minimal help later...

This morning, I took Meredith and her BFF to get manis/pedis and out for cupcakes.

I tried to convince them that they should pick out different cupcakes so they could share 2 different kinds, but they only had interest in getting the exact same one as the other.  Oh well, they both ended up eating the frosting only. ;)

Silly girls...they wouldn't stop moving!

Words aren't enough to express how much we love our little girl.  This year is sure to be another special one and I can't wait to see what God has in store for her.  Happy Birthday to our first baby girl.