There's just something about Sydnie...

Our sweet Sydnie turned FIVE today!

It is amazing how it feels like such a marked birthday in the family. I don't know if it is the official 'goodbye' to her toddler years, the reality that five=kindergarten=real school for the next 16 years, or just the fact that she is my first little angel and she is simply growing up too fast.

Although the day always finds itself sandwiched right into all of the Independence Day celebrations, it makes it that much more fun for us to celebrate! Besides, who wouldn't want a parade and fireworks to be part of their extended birthday parties? Our sassy little lady got a "big girl" two wheeler (four if you count training wheels) bike, which she loves to ride up and down the street. It was also kind of fun for me because it was the first year she has actually gotten excited about new outfits as gifts ;) She was so spoiled by friends and family alike. She went to the movies with Grandma Wendy and Grandpa Larry and saw the new Ice Age movie, and got to eat out at a Mexican Restaurant--one of her favorite things! We had friends and family over later that weekend as we celebrated Chase's blessing day and Sydnie's birthday together. She had requested a mermaid cake, so Mommy and Nana worked something out for her. Amazingly, the mermaid was quickly forgotten after she saw there was a real fish swimming around in that bowl! (She had been begging for a second pet). It was an amazing weekend, and one of smiles and surprises for our amazing little girl.

Sydnie creates pure joy wherever she goes. Her chocolate brown eyes continue to work their magic as her dad and I fall more and more in love with her every day. She is growing up and becoming the most amazing little girl! She loves to read, to learn, to explore and to create. She continues to find magic in everything from a "roly poly potato bug" to the shooting stars she searches for every night. Her eyes are always bright and seeking out light and detail and observing life's blessings all around us. She is the sweetest big sister to her little brothers. Her and Kade are hard to separate. They will often declare each other "best friends" and hold hands as they walk around the house or through a store. They love being together and their laughter fills our home with love. Sydnie adores her cousins, and loves having great friends. Sydnie loves her Daddy....he is her Prince Charming, and a part of me wants it to stay that way for a long, long time ;) Syd loves animals....and bugs, and insects, etc. There isn't much that gets to her. She often accompanies me as I am planting flowers or doing yardwork with the hopes that I will dig her up a "pet worm" that she can carry around for a few minutes until she releases it to go home to it's Mommy and Daddy. She loves to help in the kitchen, and continues to plan parties and make us pretend meals all the time. She loves that the fact that both of us prefer the color red over any other color. Sydnie also still loves to twirl, and she loves to sing. We couldn't love her more!

Even if you miss all of this, our sassy, sensational Sydnie will catch you with her smile, and undeniable SPARKLE. What would we do without you, Syd?
There truly is just something about our Sydnie...we love you forever!
Happy Birthday, Princess!