"best chef helper"

 The cake was made...

 the streamers were hung...

and oh did we have fun!

It was a wild day.  Mark had the day off so he joined us at coop for our sweet Christmas party. (I hope to post that some time soon, perhaps the week between Christmas and New Years.)  As soon as the afternoon portion of class was over it was time for another party.  Two families dear to us joined in on the marathon day as we met back up at Pump It Up to jump, climb and laugh!

 Even though this was so much fun, a sweet time for sure, it was not my absolute favorite" birthday time" with Mackenzie.   You see there has been a shift in birthday prep at our house...

Many nights preceding a birthday you could find me "burning the midnight oil" trying to get the a cake made, designed, pieced together and decorated before a birthday princess would wake to her special day.  Not this birthday.  Not for Mackenzie.  She has deemed herself "best chef helper" in  our house.  If I am baking she is centered on the kitchen island ready to help (and sample.)  

Several weeks ago she placed her order for her upcoming birthday cake.  "Mom, I want a cake that is wheat-free, soy-free, peanut-free and fruit peel free. I want Haleigh to be able to have it too!"

So Sunday evening it was time for my "best chef helper" to take her rightful place as we baked her birthday cake. 

 Together. 

Every step.

 This time was precious for me.  Watching amazed that my baby was turning five. 

That she has grown so much.  This last month I have caught myself just looking at her amazed at the quick shift that has taken me by surprise. 

Seeing this little girl, so full of character that she really can't contain it all.

Amazed at all she is. 

 Bright. Loving. Strong willed. Precious. Funny. Smart. Beautiful.

 

She has brought so much growth, love, laughter, and perspective into our home over the past five years.

Happy Birthday my best chef helper!