Five!

(This post is ridiculously late, but our summer has been just that.  Ridiculous.  We're so busy, and honestly I wrote this pretty soon after her birthday and forgot to publish, so I'm not as neglectful as it seems;)).

Sweet Charlotte,
You're five! (and a couple of days:)), and I love the girl God's grown you into.  We went to see Dr. Halsell for your 5 year check up today, and she said there was something about your face that made you look more mature than a five year old.  You are always getting compliments on your gorgeous face, but you are so much more than that, baby girl.  God made you for a purpose.  He has a special plan for your life and has given you unique gifts and talents to fulfill your purpose and follow that plan for His glory. 

Since I'm feeling so creative tonight, I'm going to give you 9 of my favorite things about you right now in a special pattern (since you're so into patterns these days;)....

Complimentary - You really know how to make people feel special!  You always find someway to compliment those around you.
Happy - You are so giggly and love to have fun! 
Affectionate - you love to give kisses and hugs to your friends and family.  Physical touch and Words of Affirmation are definitely your top 2 love languages.
Real - I love real, genuine people.  I'm an open book and have always been drawn to people that are transparent.  We all know who God made you, because you aren't afraid to show any of us the real you.  The good, bad, and ugly is out there for all of us to see, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I often tell you to like what you like and do what you want and have the opinion that you truly have.  I pray that these words will stick with you, and that as you grow older, you can be confident in who you are.  A strong, confident girl is a beautiful one.  The thoughts you have are valid and important.  Don't change or hide them to align more with other girls.
Loud - I'm not sure this would be one of Daddy's favorites, but I love how sure you are of yourself.  I don't always succeed, but I try hard not to squash your spirit, which is a loud, feisty one!  You love to sing most of all and do it at the TOP of your lungs!
Organized - You come by this honestly, since Daddy and I are both crazy organizers!  One of your favorite things is to go through your toys and find places for them.  Hey, that's one of my favorite things, too!
Thankful - You are so well mannered and make sure to always thank people who serve you.  You tell me thanks for dinner every night, even if it's not a meal you were a super fan of.
Thoughtful - You often think of other people.  Whenever you ask for a piece of gum or a cookie, you ask if you can get one for your brother, too (most of the time;)).  I hope you keep that nurturing, loving attitude as you grow older.
Expressive - You are the ultimate performer!  I can't wait to see how you grow into this even more.

We love you, Charlotte!  Excited for your sixth year!

Sweet and Sassy!

Charlotte and I headed to Sweet n Sassy Saturday morning while James and some of our friends moved us out of our house.  It was a craaaaazy day, but Charlotte had the best time!

 

When we arrived, they had a cart ready for Charlotte's presents...

They sang a little song and led the girls back to the dressing room.  Charlotte got to pick her dress first and she chose this one...

Then her friends took turns choosing...

After everyone chose their dress, they got to sit in these directors chairs together and get hair, make up and nails done...

The birthday princess...

Sweet Eden waiting so patiently...

Jocelyn getting her nails done...

Glitter!

Delainey getting her tiara adjusted...

Time for Evelyn's updo...

Rowyn getting glittered!

Princess Madison and Princess Charlotte...

Porter's turn!

Delainey didn't want a dress at first, but changed her mind after she got all done up...

Sweet pink princesses!

Delainey, Evelyn, and Jocelyn...

After they were all ready, they had a mini dance party on stage.  They were all so serious when they were sitting and getting made over, and it kind of continued on the dance floor.  A couple of them let loose (a little), but for the most part, they just stood there and stared at the workers singing and dancing...

I think it was sensory overload.   Or as Rowyn's mom said, "I just got everything I've ever wanted, and I don't know how to react."

Then they each got to walk the runway.  The workers had asked them questions about themselves during the makeover portion and they talked about them into the microphone as they walked down the red carpet...

Charlotte was the princess of the mall and she liked to play in her spare time and hang out with friends at the zoo.  Her princess pet was a pony...

Then each girl took turns walking back out individually and saying, "Happy Birthday, Charlotte!" into the microphone...

We have a little dvd of the stage portion of the party that we've watched 3 times in the last 3 days.

Charlotte said, "Happy Birthday to me!  It's my birthday!"

Then they posed for several pictures.  Sweet...

And sassy...

After that, the girls got back in their own clothes and we headed to the cake room for cake and presents...

I can't believe she's 5!!

She got so many fun gifts.  She's always excited for candy!!

 

It was a really special party.  I'm so thankful that Char has so many sweet girls to celebrate with!