Madelyn Mae turns 5

On Thursday, June 19th, 2014, Brant and I became parents to a 5 year old.  I can't believe it.  I know every parent shares this sentiment when a child turns another year older, and perhaps it's cliche.  Well, then I will be cliche and say it again: "I can't believe it."  My baby girl is 5!!!!!

Maddie's birthday has been the anticipated day of the year for the past 300 days (only a few months after she turned 4 passed by before she was counting down the days for her big day; I'm not kidding - it was talked about weekly, at least.).  Maddie's morning began with a bang, as she raced downstairs to find a brand new bicycle, complete with pink bows, a cup holder, a bell and a giant "5" balloon.  She was so delighted!

She spotted the bike from upstairs and then burst into a sprint.

Disbelief.

"It even has pink bows!"

She was giddy that Geoffrey was so excited about her new bike, too!

It was a pretty busy workday for the rest of the household, but Maddie was able to open a couple of presents, saving the rest for later on, and we managed to make it outside for a short time to give her new wheels a try.

A new ballerina Barbie - perfect for our little dancer.

An official "Doc McStuffins" dress-up outfit (which Maddie has been talking about for approximately 6 months!).

This bike is bigger than the one she had been riding in Kampen.  It's the right size for her, but she is a bit unsure of herself when it comes to stopping, because it is higher than what she was used to.  Geoffrey is wearing his helmet for moral support; when this picture was taken, he did not have a bike - just a helmet. :)

Our morning kicked off with swim lessons, where Maddie's class was sure to sing "Happy Birthday" to her, making her feel extra special.  We met Brant for lunch, which made for a nice treat on her special day.

Later in the afternoon, we all went to Maddie's dance class.  Brant also joined us for this, which, again, made it extra special for Maddie to have Daddy come to watch her.

Nothing makes a 5 year old feel more like a ballerina than being high on her tippy-toes. :)

Hannah and Amelie surprised Maddie and came to watch her dance, too.  Super fun!

Not sure what the dance move is here, but needed to have a picture documenting her tap shoes - she loves them!

A few days before her birthday, we asked Maddie to decide what she would like to have for her birthday dinner.  She did not hesitate to tell us she would like to go to a restaurant, and after a few days of debating with herself, she finally decided upon In-N-Out.  The other half of our family (the Palpant's) joined us for dinner as well.

These guys have joined Maddie for her birthday dinner (wherever it has been) for the past 3 years.  Tradition!

 After dinner, we headed back home for cake and a few more presents!  Maddie continuously exclaimed that this was the "best day ever!!"

The singing has begun!

JOY.

Somebody loved the cake (well, the frosting, at least!).

My little pink 5 year-old beauty.  Happy Birthday, sweet Maddie Mae!!!