Gwen turns five!

You know how parents usually say, "I can't believe they are 5 already!" when their kid turns 5? Well, in this rare case, I'm going to say, "I can't believe Gwen is ONLY 5!" She has always seemed more grown up to me. More capable than others her same age, has more attitude (sometimes) than other kids her same age, so smart it's silly, and so understanding and aware of her circumstances. I love this girl so much. She is, most of the time, so happy. And I'm so happy she's ours.


I feel like her birthday was celebrated all month long. The Sunday before her birthday, we celebrated Lindy, Grandma Garner and Gwen, with a tri-birthday dinner. My favorite part was that Miles has been working on Gwen's gift the entire month. He used all of his own money to buy her a movie (from Savers), a book (from the library), and a new outfit (from Wal-Mart). She was so thrilled, and he was so proud.

On her actual birthday, we were lucky that Grandma Crosby was in town and got to have pancakes and nutella with us that morning! We made peanut butter brownies to share with our friends at homeschool that day. Then later in the afternoon, Uncle Jacob picked Gwen up for a date. :) Gwen was feeling jipped that Miles got to do something special with Uncle Jacob for his birthday, so he promised her her very own date. He took her down to the puppy farm to look at lots of adorable puppies, and then to get "pizza AAAAND soda!" (in her words). She felt super special.


On the Saturday after her birthday, she had her first official friend birthday party. Her only requirements was that it be fancy. When her fancy guests arrived, they got to pick out a feather boa, a necklace, lip gloss, nail polish, fan, and headband. Then they spent some time making pens with plumes, and bonnets. Then we had a fancy lunch and painted nails. We opened a few presents and then had cake and ice cream parfaits. We were going to have a little fashion show, but ran out of time. I loved how every time I glanced at the dining table, it just seemed enveloped in a pink cloud. We were lucky enough to have Taysom here to enjoy the festivities and help. Also Aunt Makenna came early and helped Gwen get her hair all fancified and set up the party.


I don't think there's any way Gwen could NOT have felt special. She had so many people reach out and love her. She deserves every bit of it. She is one fantastic human being.