Kate Turns 5!

Kate counted down her birthday starting with Christmas.  I clearly remember my excitement about turning 5 and it was exciting to relive that with my sweet girl.  Her Tuesday birthday fell during Spring Break, which meant Zachary was around all day, and we planned several fun outings.

First up, Keoki's.  Brady had YM's that night, so we went out for lunch instead of dinner.  Kate talked about ordering a hambaburger a dozen times in the morning.  (Later in the week, we were crunched for time and got a "hambaburger" from McDs.  She was irritated that it wasn't actually a "hambaburger" because "it only had meat and no lettuce and tomato and onion and bread with seeds on it!"

 The server was sweet and brought her a hula pie complete with a birthday candle.

 It was a rainy day, so instead of going to the pool as she originally requested, we went and saw Zootopia.  She was thrilled to get so many phone calls and face time calls that day.

Brady "finally" got home from work so she could open her gifts.  Best gift award goes to her karaoke machine and princess sing-a-long CDs.

 Money from grandparents was another favorite.

 The day her party ended last year, she started asking to have a flower-themed party when she turned 5.  She loves learning the names of flowers.  We invited some of her preschool friends over for her Thursday morning party, and Brady took the morning off to help make the kids giggle.

Lucie:

Daysha:

Evelyn:

During Spring Break, "Rockie" accompanied us everywhere per Zac's homework assignment.  He had lots of adventures to write about, including spectating on a little girl's flower party.

We learned about local flowers and crafted candy flowers.

We went on a garden treasure hunt for caterpillars, lady bugs, geckos, and flowers (in various forms like stamps and toys).

We played bumblebee freeze tag.

We sang karaoke, pinned the bees on a flower, made flower leis, dressed up and played house.  This was the most low key party we've done but also the most fun.

Zachary was a huge helper at this party.

Love Kate's tongue in this picture:

Tate:

Penelope (Zac spelled her name on a cup as Punelipy):

Kate is a gem.  She makes friends easily and begs for playdates daily.  She gets along with everyone, even when it means she has to act as peacemaker over and over again.  (However, she's also not a pushover, especially with her brother...hehe.)  She loves to play "pretend" which is a timeless game that every child everywhere has surely played.  She is almost always a mermaid or a princess, and someone always dies in her scenarios.  And it's no big deal, "because people get resurrected."

Kate has grown up a bit in the shadow of Zachary, but now asserts that she is also a fast runner, an avid boogie boarder, and a "really good swimmer, just like a mermaid."  She insists on turns throwing and catching the football.  When there are neighbor boys playing in the driveway, she joins right in even though she's scared, riding her scooter along in the chaos.

She is determined to be a good reader, and spends time regularly reading to Owen.  She loves to dance, and practices her ballet moves in front of our glass door so she can see her reflection.  She sings made up songs and real songs with made up lyrics.  She sometimes asks us to roll up the windows so her hair doesn't get messed up.

Kate takes pride in trying new foods, and revels in the attention she receives when she asks for spicy peppers on her sandwiches or unique salads for lunch.  When Zac reacts negatively to something we eat, she makes sure to (over)emphasize just how GOOD that food is.  It's hilarious, but also fun that I have a child not intimidated by spicy Thai or Indian dishes.

Kate wants so much to be an older kid with more responsibilities like piano practice, soccer practice and reading, but at the same time requires that I hold her hand all the way into the building for preschool.  The other day, she said, "Mom, I can't wait until I can drive myself to playdates."

I love this little girl.  Happy birthday, little lady.