Esther's first "real" birthday party.

Esther got to have her 5th birthday party at Creation Station with 14 of her friends.  She was super excited to have her very own birthday party.  She's been to quite a few this past year for her friends, but now it was her turn!

Esther and I made some simple cupcakes, and added robot toppers.

Getting ready to create!

Another special part of her day was having her Nana Carolyn,  Nana Marilyn and Papa Jerry attend her party.

Yay! She blew out her candles!  She was very excited to be sung to and to blow out her candles, although she was a little worried that the lit candles might explode.

Let them eat (cup)cake!

Of course the present opening was a highlight for E.

Grandpa Neil and Grandma Suzi came for a quick visit and brought Esther some tools and things she can take apart.

Right up her alley.

Guess Who's Five!?!

I can't believe my little girl is five already.  Crazy!  She had a great day yesterday at preschool.  She got a birthday crown and stood up by Teacher Kathy while the kids sang "Happy Birthday" to her.  Man, I wouldn't have been able to do that.  She is definitely not shy!  I was snack person yesterday, so I brought some of Esther's favorite foods:  mac 'n cheese, sausage, bananas, sweet potatoes, and graham crackers.  Of course E was to busy to eat any of it. I finally had to go grab her from the "Post Office" to get her to sit down and eat.  And then she got the cherished "Bed Head", preschool's resident stuffed guinea pig. She was so shocked when her name was called, she had to double check with me to make sure Teacher Kathy had really called her name.  Very cute.

Esther's birthday party isn't until Friday.  We are going to Creation Station where the kids get to create for an hour then they get cupcakes and ice cream.  Esther is very excited about getting presents.

Snuggle time.

This is Nikola, we babysit her on Thursdays for a few hours.  She loves Esther!

Sharing the chair.

My little scientist has to take things apart to see how they work.   We even have a bin of stuff she can take apart in hopes of channeling her curiosity to things we allow her to destroy.