You're only 5 years old once.....

I am kind of still in disbelief that my sweet Kaitlyn is now 5 years old! It all happened so fast. Some parts a blur, other parts are so vivid in my mind. Pictures help me to remember moments that I might've forgotten (we are so blessed to have digital camera's!) and convince me that yes, Kaitlyn really was 7lbs 6oz at one time in her life.  She has grown into a little (big) girl now, and it is an awesome privilege to see her just beginning to piece together this crazy journey called life. She has been a blessing to us and so many others....her contact list is almost as long as mine....she is a friend to so many. Lily thinks Kaitlyn is the best big sister and she is Lily's closest friend. I am so thankful that God gave me two little girls who can walk this life together.....fun, adventures and new experiences, giggles, house, tea parties, dress-up, bike rides, running, sharing, fighting, forgiving, sharing a bed, singing out loud, and encouraging each other to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

Some things I don't want to forget about Kaitlyn are:

The Rapunzel Party Crew

-You are currently obsessed with Rapunzel (hence the birthday party theme-if you could wear that long braid made out of yarn everyday and everywhere, you would)
-The faster your bike goes, the better (and you swerve a lot which freaks me out!!!)
-You have been patiently waiting for some new friends, and we are both praying for some new friends for you at your new school
-Your sole reason for wanting to learn french is so you can make "french friends'
-You are a morning person (so opposite of me!) and often wake us up to show us what outfit you have chosen to wear for the day and how you have done your pony tail all by yourself
-You wear skirts and dresses 95% of the time.....and a wardrobe change is to be expected at least one other time during the day
-You are friendly, approachable and considerate of others (most of the time)
-You are the best big sister to Lily, patient, inclusive, encouraging, and protective
-You are brave......waltzing into a new sunday school class and just giving a little wave before entering into a place where you know no one but so excited to meet some new 'friends' (you need to rub off on Lily a bit in this department)

Sizing up the cake

-You desire in your heart of hearts to please God, to live as He wants you to and to follow His Word. I love to see you learn and grow and am looking forward to watching you mold into who He wants you to be.
-You have a wicked memory.....hence I always lose at memory game....and I try.....seriously, I do!
-You are into drawing from scratch....houses, people, bikes, trees, the sun and clouds, mom (who always has a pregnant belly.....I think you are sending me subliminal messages!) and Lily and Daddy
-You like to 'read' chapter books with pictures in them
-You are very pleased with yourself when you finish reading a BOB book on your own....you will be reading chapter books soon Kaitlyn!
-Your favorite foods are juice boxes and homemade macaroni and cheese with steamed broccoli (with shredded cheese on it)
-You host a tea party daily....complete with water (tea), princess dresses and a table cloth
-Your favorite song is the God song by Starfield, as well as songs from Psalty and Music Machine

A game of 'hot and cold' brought you to the fridge to
find one of your gifts

-After watching much of the Olympics (where you said "I think we are watching too much TV"), whenever you are at the park you beeline for the jungle gym section and proceed to complete a full routine, concluded with your arms up and feet together. I give you 10's all the time.

I could go on and on......I just want you to know how much we love you and how proud we are of who you are becoming. I couldn't have asked for a better oldest daughter and I am so excited to watch you over the coming years.....the sky is the limit.
As you enter into full time school.....yes Mon-Fri all day.....I am not impressed with that schedule....but we want you to learn french and since we can't teach you at this point, I know this is the best way. God has given us a Christian school for you to attend, where I know the teachers and students will help you as much as you need. I pray for friends, and good friendships that can surpass the language barrier and encourage you as you learn a whole new language.
You have been such a trooper this past year as there have been so many transitions and goodbyes......I wish I could say there won't be any more, but the life that God has chosen for us is going to be one full of major life transitions and lots of hellos and goodbyes. A life rich in so many ways, but very challenging in other ways. Just know I will always be there for you, I pray we do this right, and stay  close emotionally throughout the years to come.....My arms will always be open for a hug, my ears always open to listen, my heart open to love and forgive, my hands teaching you the skills you need as you grow, and my with my mouth, I will be giving You to the One who made you and has a purpose and a plan for your life. May you grow up to know Him and serve Him with your whole heart and life.

Kaitlyn and Me

"I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

Mom