She is BRAVE

5 years ago as I was holding a little tiny, not sleeping baby I remember thinking to myself......man some day this little girl is going to be 5.  I don't know why 5 was the magic year I was thinking about, but I just remember contemplating the reality that she wasn't going to stay my little baby forever and that one day....she would be 5.  Well, that day was FRIDAY and look at this beautiful Lily.  SHE IS 5!  She is almost a Kindergartner......she is a blossoming little girl.  My baby is growing up.

And so so SO beautifully.  While I was editing the picture above I actually shed a few little tears.  She is a breathtakingly beautiful, full of life little girl.  Bright, hopeful, joyful and fun.  I am just so proud of her.

This year Lily decided that she wanted a BRAVE theme for her birthday party.  Merida is the princess and she is a determined, unyielding, passionate, opinionated, beautiful, strong and brave princess.....just like Lily.  Merida is an archer and Lily has taken to her little bow and arrow with style.  Memaw got Lily completely outfitted in her Brave attire including matching sandals, tiara, dress and bow and arrow.  Lily was the part.  Lily is BRAVE.

Lily got to invite some of her very best friends over for a morning party complete with archery contest, cupcake decorating, pinata smashing, playground time and presents.  

Lily Grace has such a big heart when it comes to her friends. You can tell she is well liked by all and loves to be part of everyones fun.  

Katie

Jade

Katie

Colton 

(Lily wanted to invite our neighbors so Colton got to be surrounded by the ladies! He fit right in!)

Makensie

Hayden

Kayden

Tatum

Evie Bee

Cupcake decorating was a blast with the kids.  Each of them got to decorate 2 cupcakes and I loved watching the creativity of each kiddo.  

This little girl loves to have people sing her Happy Birthday.  She sat in her chair like a princess just smiling and soaking it all in.  

Our last big event for the party was to whack the pinata.  This was the one request that Lily had for her party was a pinata.  I found us a little horse and filled it with chocolate.  So much fun.

I think the best part of the weekend was having all of this amazing family in town.  My Mom surprised Lily last Thursday and we had Grandma Jill, Grandpa Steve, Great Grandma and Aunt Sue in town too.  

Happy Birthday Lily.  A lot of people LOVE you, especially Mom.  Although we may disagree sometimes, you are one of the brightest lights in my life.  I love you to the moon and back.  You are big and strong.  You are Brave.