Big birthday wishes to a 5 year old!

So this little one decided to go and turn 5 on us.  Oh my goodness!

She started off her birthday by graduating from Safety Town.  I was taking a class all week so couldn't see it, but Lala went and cheered on the little graduate.  After graduation, I met them out for lunch--just the 3 of us.  So special!

 Then that evening, we had both sets of grandparents over for dinner.  The request?  Lucky birthday noodles, of course!

 

 I just used P. Dub's simple sesame noodle recipe.  With bok choy and diced peppers, because, well actually, I can't bring myself to serve a meal without some sort of veg.  Chopsticks were optional.

 Then on to the presents.  The highly anticipated event!!

 We found a piano at a garage sale.  An excellent purchase at $5.00 if I do say so myself.

 It takes big muscles to hold up that Beatrix Potter anthology!

 Finally, cake brownies with mint frosting and chocolate chips.  She actually wanted a mint chocolate chip/strawberry cake, but I convinced her to do one and have the other in ice cream form.  It was actually a very good combination.

 Every time we would walk down the baking aisle in the grocery store Mei Mei talked about wanting a "5" candle.  That was an easy request to grant ;)

 By this time in the evening, everyone was getting goofy and the effects of the sugar were definitely evident.  We managed to snap a couple of pictures with the grandparents before hustling the birthday girl and her sister up into bed.  A full day of celebrating is enough to tire anyone out--parents included!

Happy Birthday Mei Mei!!  You are a blessing and a joy to our family!  Your kind, sweet ways bring a smile to all of our faces.  We love you to the China moon and back!

Soccer and ballet

A couple of weeks ago Mei Mei finished up her rec soccer and had her ballet recital all on the same day.  It was a busy day for this girl!

 She had a lot of fun playing and met a new little friend so all in all, I'd say it was a success.  At this age, it is still rather "bumblebee ball" since they all just move in a pack, but it is so sweet to watch.  The fact that the games are, at most, 40-45 minutes long makes it much sweeter too!

 Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take any pictures during the recital, but the little "Pom Pom Party" routine her 4/5 class put on was adorable!!  One of the things I really appreciate about where she took dance is that they are very "old school" in that there isn't any of the booty-shaking business going on.

 Everything is very classical--hair, dress, etc.  Every other year they do a low-key recital where it is just a chance to showcase what the children have been learning.  This was one of those years, so there weren't any costumes, make-up, lighting or special effects.

 She was just thrilled to be on the stage and didn't appear to be nervous at all.  She was also all about getting a flower-ha!  When I went back to pick her up she pounced on me, asking about it.  Thankfully Grandpa was holding it for her so she got it when she saw everyone ;)

Just look at that shining smile!  Someone was very proud of themselves and was so happy to have all her family there to watch and support her.

Mei Mei's birthday

Someone turns 3 today!  Miss Mei Mei!!

We had the family over yesterday for a little party--the big request?  Elmo cupcakes.  Done!

I don't think she got the whole idea that it was her birthday, but she was thrilled to have everyone there, none-the-less.  She definitely got into the gifts though.  That didn't take long--ha!

Highlights of the evening?  Mei Mei putting her Tonka trucks into her new purse and drilling with all her jewelry on.  Love it!

Happy birthday sweet girl!  You are our precious Mei Mei and we can't get enough of you!!  Big hugs to you on your special day.