Alice is 5!

Our sweet Alice Pearl turned five earlier this week. I still can't believe it. It feels like yesterday that she was born. As with every birthday in our house, the day began with pancakes and presents...

To celebrate our Alice, we couldn't have a big birthday party with all of her friends, but we did have a small party with family. Her cousins, grandparents, aunt, and uncle joined us for cake and presents.

Nothing cuter than blue icing mustaches when you are 5!

Even though this birthday was a lot different than last year's, it was still a very special time celebrating our sweet Alice. 

Alice Pearl, it is such a privilege to be your mom. You are kind, generous, funny, and so loving. You are gentle and helpful with your baby sister, so good at riding your two-wheel bicycle, and you give the best hugs! I love you so much, and I pray God's blessings upon this year of your life. You are and will always be a TREASURE.

An interview with Alice, age 5:

What is your favorite movie? Tinkerbell

What is your favorite book? Ramona the Pest

What job do you want to have when you are a grownup? I want to drive a truck.

What is a superpower you would like to have? Fire

What is your favorite animal? Dragon

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate

What is your favorite thing to play? Elsa and Anna

What do you like most about yourself? I like that I'm brave.

Coronavacation

We recently enjoyed a little family vacation time. It felt so good to get away for a little while and have a much-needed change of scenery...

On our way to Sanibel Island, we stopped at Disney Springs in order to break up the drive a little bit...

It felt very different being there during a pandemic. Everyone was required to wear masks and practice social distancing. The crowds were super low. But even with all the changes, we had a lot of fun.

For dinner that evening, we went to one of the girls' favorites, T Rex Cafe. It's always fun to go there with them, though I am not sure how I feel about having dinosaurs watch me eat. 

Here is Esme taking in the sunset.

There were storm troopers out on the balconies making sure that people were wearing their masks and staying 6 feet apart. The girls thought this was particularly funny.

The next day, we had lunch at Homecomin' in Disney Springs before getting back into the car to drive the rest of the way to Sanibel Island...

We enjoyed almost perfect weather! And no people.

We were curious to see how Esme liked the beach, and I think it's safe to say that she's a fan. (Notice the sea turtle nest roped off behind her.)

While we were in Sanibel, we celebrated July 4th with sparklers and watched Hamilton.

Alice knows how to enjoy a vacation!

Sister snuggles

On one of our days at the beach, we took a boat ride and saw some dolphins, including a little baby dolphin. It was so cute! Almost as cute as the baby human.

We had so much fun at the beach and are already longing to be back!