FIVE!

Dear Luke and Ellie,

How are you five years old already? I can't believe how fast time has gone by. It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming you into the world! I am so happy that you got to come to earth together. You are the best of friends and I love to watch you take care of each other. I love that you feel safer and sleep better when you are together. I love that you protect each other from the "scary" parts in movies. I love that you are always saying "I love you." I love to watch you walk into school together, knowing that you will have a buddy no matter what.

Thank you for letting me know that you love me. Thank you for your great hugs. Thank you for trying to be nice to your little brother. Thank you for helping me cook. Thank you for teaching me patience. Thank you for helping me become a better person. Thank you for reminding me to enjoy the simple things in life and to not take one moment for granted. Thank you for letting me be your mom. I love you both SO much.

Love,

Mommy

Here are some birthday highlights:

Luke and Ellie got to be the "Special Helpers" in their preschool class. They couldn't wait! Here they are with their birthday crowns and balloons.

This year, instead of having a big party, we decided to take Luke and Ellie to "The Nutcracker." They started off the day exhausted and both fell asleep in the car before we made it to the 2 p.m. matinee! (At least they didn't fall asleep during the ballet!)

Here are some pictures of us waiting for the ballet to start. Ellie was SO EXCITED to see the beautiful dancers. Luke wanted to know when the Mouse King and the Nutcracker were going to fight.

After the ballet, we met my side of the family at "Red Robin" for dinner. Yes, those are cakes pictured above. The kids had very specific instructions for what they wanted their cakes to look like AND taste like. Ellie's is a princess crown on top of a princess pillow, chocolate cake, chocolate frosting. Luke requested a tiger, white cake, mint frosting. I almost cried when I picked them up from the cake lady I thought they were so unbelievable. (Her name is Brenda Chance, "Icing On The Cake" if you need a good cake person.)

Next came the presents...
Then, Ellie had to try out her fondant crown. (It was completely edible. :) )
Happy Birthday to you! I love you! What a wonderful day.