Hallie turned 5!

On a beautiful September morning, just as summer was fading into fall, our sweet Hallie did a remarkable thing - she turned 5!

On her birthday eve, she took a bubble bath, got her toe nails done, and we rolled her hair in curlers.

She was fancy!

Clairey watched and sang along to Hallie's first "Happy Birthday" song of the day.

Hallie's birthday breakfast consisted of yogurt (probably her favorite thing there), french toast with raspberry sauce, and orange juice.  She even blew out the candle on her french toast. 

This birthday place setting is particularly special.  Grandma Judy went online and found the exact copy of the set she used for her children's birthdays when they were growing up.  She gave it to Chris for his birthday one year and we have loved it ever since.

She, of course, went straight for the yogurt.

After a little birthday shopping, a trip to the park, and a visit with Daddy at lunch,

we relaxed at home.

  

She received phone calls throughout the day.  Here she is talking to her Aunt Karen.

Her presents were laid out on the couch in the afternoon - teasing her for the fun to come.

We also displayed her finds from her birthday shopping trip.

That night, Hallie's birthday dinner was her favorite meal ever - Spaghetti.  And Mommy didn't even have to make it - Fazoli's did.  Grandma Judy met us at the restaurant.  It was fun and simple.  But Hallie felt is was fancy - which is just what matters.  After dinner, we came home for presents.

Claire is at that particular age where she just doesn't understand it isn't her birthday too.

We made sure that when Hallie opened presents there was always one little surprise for her as well.

Grandma Judy gave her several art sets and sticker books.  Our creative girl is set!

Mommy and Daddy gave her a new Belle doll with horse along with some much needed church dresses and pajamas.

In our house, one of our traditions is a birthday meal (and some requisite presents) on the Sunday closest to each birthday.  This week, we did it on the Sunday before.  So Hallie's actual birth date was the second time opening presents!

The chalkboard usually has our meals for the week . . . or a festive message. 

In this case, it's the latter.  We wouldn't eat our birthday girl.

Hallie requested a Rapunzel/Fairy/Care Bear Birthday cake.  Your wish is our command, sweet one.

Grandma Judy was kind enough to buy us a delicious red velvet cake from Costco.  This was much easier to make and decorate than previous years.

Hallie was born two days before her Great-Grandmother Allen's birthday.  When we were in St. George with my side of the family, we celebrated with more cake and more presents.

Here is the shared cake . . . complete with the numbers "74" and "5."

Check out that shock and awe at the sight of Pocahontus from Grandma Laine.

Grandma knew to remember Clairey too.  Lucky baby.

Hallie received a new Fancy Nancy book from Aunt Karen and the Dr. Seuss "Happy Birthday to you" book from my girlfriend Laura.  You know our little book girl was excited.

 

Hallie tries on her new Rapunzel dress-up dress as cute Barbara Thompson looks on (we happened to be catching the Relief Society broadcast).

Chris and I planned on throwing Hallie a "friend" birthday party this year. 

However, after three separate present-filled occasions, we felt our girl was more than set.

And she was as happy as a well-loved five year old girl could be.