But I don't feel like I am 5!!

Our resident Princess turned 5 yesterday! Although I was feeling bad about really not having anything planned for Claire's birthday, no formal party, no cake ordered, no friends over to play, it turned out to be " The best birthday ever!" according to our new 5 year old! We let her plan her special day, filled with all the things she loves. Not sure about her, but I am exhausted today from all the fun! Once she waded through her room filled with balloons from the birthday fairy the first item on her agenda was to open presents! Thanks to everyone who sent a card, present, or called to wish her a happy birthday! 

Next, in true Claire fashion, she wanted sprinkle pancakes from Perkins for breakfast! Once we got there, she opted for the french toast stack instead! 

After our bellies were full, she chose to go to Monkey Joes to bounce around! 

Next, she wanted to "go to the nail place" to get her nails done. I had never taken her before much to her begging, as quite honestly, the nail salon is sometimes the only "me time" I ever get. She happily told everyone it was her first time there and her birthday so she got the royal treatment! Salt scrub, foot rub, leg rub, hand rub, shoulder rub..you name it! She did a great job sitting still and they even painted little flowers on her nails for her! 

After the salon, we headed home as dad was preparing her requested birthday dinner. Grilled hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, potatoes and strawberries. 

At the last minute we stopped at DQ and let her pick out an ice cream cake, complete with princess candles! 

After supper and cake, Claire, Carter and I headed up to Centennial Park for another movie in the park. As we were getting ready to watch the movie on the big screen, we were also able to watch the fireworks display from Lutheran Church of Hope's Taste of Hope festival. Claire thought they were going off just for her birthday. I love this girl! 

For her last present, she was able to help Darcie and Jill do the horse chores at the Animal Rescue League. She is gaga over horses right now and spent the morning petting and feeding the horses apples. She even did a little sweeping and haying, but refused to pick up any poop (can't say I blame her)! How cute is she in her cowboy boots? 

She told me on the way home from the horse barn that she had the best birthday ever. It was the best "non planned" party we've ever had! I think this is how we will spend all the birthdays! Just let the kids plan a day of their favorite things! Her are her 5 year old interview answers: 

What is your favorite color? Pink and Purple

What is your favorite book? Fairy Princess

What is your favorite movie? Despicable Me 2

What is your favorite food? Spaghetti

What is your favorite princess? Ariel

What is your favorite animal? Horse

What do you want to be when you grow up? A princess

What is the best thing about being 5? Opening presents, but I don't feel 5

Who are some of your friends? Kaylee, Taylor, Lydia, Rory

If you could do anything you wanted what would you do? Go swimming or go to grandmas! 

When I think about how to describe Claire, I am so thankful for the words that come to mind. She is kind hearted, a great listener, helpful to others, willing to try new things, and a mother hen to Case. She is somewhat shy in new situations, and would prefer to play with 1-2 friends rather than in a big group. She loves to color, help out in the kitchen, look at books, ride her bike, play with her stuffed animals, babies and princess. She loves sweets, chocolate, and all things girlie. She HATES bugs, worms, flies, spiders, and will completely FREAK OUT if she comes across any of these crawly things! She has an excellent memory and will call you out if you have forgotten something or go back on a promise you made! 

Happy birthday to our princess! We love you to the moon and back!