This year Clara's birthday became a month long celebration. It started with an early celebration at her preschool:
And then a trip up to Pennsylvania to celebrate her Great Grandma's 100th birthday, which just so happened to be on the same day Clara turned 5. That's pretty cool.
The morning of the big day, Clara opened a few presents that we'd brought along to the hotel:
Then I sneaked off to Target with Aunt Kathy to buy underwear because I'd forgotten to pack some a new birthday dress, tights and hair bow!
Grandma's birthday party was very elegant. She's led an amazing life and is still very cognizant and aware. It was great meeting her friends, hearing stories of her past, seeing old pictures, and being around family I rarely see. Clara is honored to share a day with someone as grand as her great grandma!
She also got her very own cake, along side Grandma's cake:
It was fun being able to spend the day with K's extended family and I appreciate the thought they put into making Clara feel special too.
All of the great grand-kids:
Later on in the month Clara got to have her "friend" party. I did the unthinkable this year - I outsourced. Yes, I paid someone else to plan and carry out the party. All I had to do was show up with a cake and a checkbook.
It was worth every penny!
This was a darling group of kids and the Princess and Superhero activities were perfect.
(Max hung out with his best buddy Matthew.)
Cake number 2, The Pink Dog:
Clara's very best friend in the whole world:
Tangent: We ran into Parker and his family at Buffalo Wild Wings a few weeks ago and Clara was giddy. She sat and wrote Parker a note: To Parker (heart, heart, heart) From Clara (more hearts). She took it to his table, blushing, where he literally picked her up off the ground in a giant bear hug. OH! TRUE LOVE! Parker's mom and I were both weeping it was so cute.
So my little squirt is now a big 5 year old! And still the light (sometimes electric, sometimes glowing, and sometimes shocking) in our lives. Happy Birthday Month Clara!
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