5

We have a 5 year old girl in our house as of this morning!
She said yesterday:
G: Mom, when I wake up in the morning will I be 5?
Mom: YES! You will be 5!
G: (thinking, then to self) OH, right, I will still have blond hair!

Here is a look back at all the wonderful things that Gabi did this past year!

She can keep up with the fastest of the boys on the soccer field!

She knows how to put on her best smile!

This girl can really pull together an outfit!

She can feed goats!

Ride the wildest of animals!

Clean her plate.

Act her age.

Pose for the camera.

Pose for the camera.

Look angelic.

Eat a Chicago-dog!

Enjoy some blue ice cream.

Can handle her drinks!

Walk and enjoy the scenery at Navy Pier.
(sidenote: this photo was taken right after Gabi shoved her head through the protective-metal-guardrail...
note red ear!)

Enjoy fine delicacies like Hagen Daas Ice Cream ($$$$).

Wear fine jewelery, unless they contain bugs.

Chill with a sista.

Be the life of a party.

Show a pinata a hard time.

Be herself!

Hold strong to her flower girl responsibilities, and eat cake!

Get some ink, to match her dad.

What an amazing gift-challenge-joy-love she has put into our lives!
Happy Happy Birthday, Gabberjaw!

How to have fun at a birthday party (not yours)

Step 1. Be sure to greet your hosts (Lucas, 4, and Charlie, 1), and wish them a happy birthday. Try not to blurt out what you got them within 10 seconds of entering the room.
(We know, we know ... this is hard.)

Step 2. Ladle races! They go great with the "Ratatouille" theme.

Step 3. PINATA TIME! Be sure to pull the right string to get the goodies. (If you don't have a tree, use a grandpa.)

No, not the orange.

No, not the blue.

GREEN! That's it! (The "winner" does not get to take home all of the candy. Got that, Gabi?)

Be sure to pack a carrying case. And share with the birthday boy.

Step 4. Cake time! He's 4 now - let him blow it out himself.

Step 5. Leave space for some Daddy-son time.

Step 6. Just because you're not at home doesn't mean you can't annoy Mom.
(Face it - you already knew this one.)

Step 7. Don't forget to show the ladies your "How you doin'?" face.