Drew's birthday has come and gone in a flash, just like the last five years of her life. As a parent, it seems so bittersweet to see your children grow up. At least, that is how it has felt to see my oldest turn FIVE. It's so hard for us to let go, but at the same time it is so fun to see how EXCITED they are to be a year older and bigger and do more "big kid" things. She is learning to read and speak in Spanish, welcomed her first official American Girl Doll into the family, loves her school and her friends, spends hours a day drawing pieces of art, loves to run and climb and hopes to be a veterinarian one day. Drew is officially a big kid now. All five fingers give her age! I so wish we could hold back time right now and bottle everything about her right up, but she is full speed ahead, loving every minute of Kindergarten and already telling us she is ready for 1st grade! There is no stopping her. Huge high five to Drew on her birthday and let's hope her little sister holds on to 3 just a bit longer...

Here are a few photos taken over the last five years to see how far she has come, starting with Drew at 2 days old and on her birthday the last four years:

This year, Drew had an extended birthday celebration as is always recommended - at any age, particularly age 5 - beginning with cupcakes (her Grandma made and the girls helped to decorate) in her Kindergarten class:

Receiving her envelope of hand written birthday cards from all 27 students in her class

Her official birthday on Friday, October 19th consisted of a field trip with her class, a visit to the Museum of Natural History and ended at our favorite neighborhood restaurant, Celeste. Drew developed a new taste for mussels dipped in a wine and garlic sauce and subsequently ate half of her Daddy's appetizer - we are in trouble! And, she finished with chocolate cake with ganache of course :)

Outside after a successful birthday dinner!

This year's theme for her party was Strawberry Shortcake. Both Drew and Harper are currently enamored by her and I don't blame them! Drew had a vision of a Strawberry Shortcake dress cake after seeing one at a store this summer, so I tried my best to follow through. Thanks to a lot of help from her Grandmother, we pulled it off (just barely!) I did get a professional one done as well just in case and that one actually tasted delicious. Here are some pics from the party and the happy birthday girl!

Thanks to Justine Knight for this photo!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL GIRL! XOXO