Home school has overtaken my blogging presence.

But just because I haven't been blogging, doesn't mean we haven't been partying like rockstars.  Mormon rockstars, that is.  So going all the way back to December- here are a few highlights from Miss Madeline's birthday.  She turned the big 5, so on her birthday we took some friends and went to the Festival of Trees.

She was excited to sit on Santa's lap.  Apparently, whatever she told him was super funny...

She and all her friends had their nails painted, their faces painted, and got to make cute little ornaments.

Ryan even stood inside a huge bubble...

And later that evening, we went home and celebrated with Rainbow Cake.

Madeline brings us so much joy.  By nature, she is a peace maker.  Her preschool teacher was amazed when another little girl had taken Madeline's toy away and the teacher had asked them to work it out.  The girl who took the toy pouted and turned her back, and then Madeline said, "I'm so frustrated!  But I can still forgive." 

Madeline loves books and being read to.  She is also quite a good reader when she feels like taking the time to sound out the words.  She loves her hair and brushing it and wants it to be as long as Rapunzel's.  She also loves having her nails painted, going to dance class, and showing us leaps, tricks, and headstands for hours on end.  She loves to pick out her own clothes, but won't put on a dress now because that would wreck the aforementioned headstand trick.  She tries to keep up with Emma's pace and wants to do everything Emma does.  For the most part, Emma tolerates it well and they are best friends.  My heart swells with joy as I watch her grow, and yet aches like only a mother knows.  Having my baby turn 5 was so hard.