Being 5!

On August 30th, you turned 5 Sophia Maria!  You had been waiting for this day for a long time.  It's still a bit hard for you to understand how Claire's birthday can come before yours on the calendar year when you're older than her.  Patience is a virtue you're continually working on developing.

Five is such a monumental birthday, that we decided it needed a jam-packed day of celebrating!  We started out with presents EARLY in the morning.  You wanted some calico critters and a ballerina barbie.  We also gave you a special doll from Colombia that we'd been saving for you for nearly 5 years!  Then, after playing with Laura for a few hours while Mami worked at school, we headed to the MOA to cash in some Nickelodean Universe Mystery Tickets.



We lucked out and got one with 100 points.  You were thrilled to be able to go on lots of rides!  I had so much fun with you, as you flitted from big girl ambitions (trying the log cabin ride!) to little girl giggles on Azul, Dora's train.

You'll tell anyone who's interested that you did not like the log cabin ride.  And I agree, the tunnels with a giant Paul Bunyan, Babe the Blue Ox, and other frightening critters, followed by two very large drops would be a bit terrifying for you.  (I did not know the tunnel had such an eerie feel nor did I know that there were two drops).  You were a bit hysterical by the time we got to the second one, which is completely understandable, since after the first I said there wasn't another one.  I think it will be a few years before we try that one again.

But, being the tough cookie that you are, you quickly bounced back and we tried out one of your other favorite carnival-type activities: face painting!  Papi and I often say, you color our world with your spunk and energy...livening up this family.  Your choice of a face painting design that day certainly showed off those colors.  You looked at a couple and then said with absolute certainty, "I want the Rainbow Tiger."



I love how decisive and self-assured you are.  After the face painting, we went on a few more rides.  Your favorite by far was the mini power tower (or Wonder Pets Fly Boat).  Here's a little video of you lovin' every minute of it.



We finished off the trip with a "dreamy" stroll through the American Girl store, where you let me know every single thing you'd like from there.  You were definitely most enthralled by McKenna, this year's doll, who is a gymnast.  We may have to do a little letter writing to Santa for that one :)  And, Mami insisted on an ice cream cone for the ride home.

When we arrived home, Papi had fancy cupcakes waiting for us.  We "relaxed" for an hour or so and then head over to Sonnesyn, where you'll be starting Kindergarten in just two short days.  It seemed very fitting that you, our little school lover, would get to meet your teacher and see your classroom on your birthday.



Tomorrow we'll celebrate with your first ever "friends" party, which will be held at your gymnastics facility.  We cannot emphasize how much you LOVE gymnastics.  Here's are some highlights from your spring gymnastics show.



You are our little gymnast through and through.  This summer you mastered the monkey bars at our park and have since found many others to conquer.  You spend a good part of each day hanging from the bar that Grandpa Proehl built you.


The other portion of the day is spent perfecting your handstands and cartwheels.  You're even managing to walk on your hands.

This summer you also went from  being rather fearful of jumping in the water and going under, to willingly dunking your face in. You even attempted a summersault in the kiddie pool.



You are our busy bug collector, fancy tea party hostess, Star Wars fan, princess lover, and as always, our avid little reader.

You continue to amaze Papi and me all the time, in part by what you're able to do, but more importantly  by who you are and who you are becoming.  We had to fill out a little questionnaire for your kindergarten teacher listing your strengths. It was so easy to rattle off a number of them.  You're empathetic, creative, independent, persistent, friendly, energetic, and so very beautiful.  We love you through and through, Sophia Maria!