Glory be, what a party! Parties, plural. Amelia is a partier. The girl's got game. And stamina! Party stamina. It was a blast. A friend-party and then, this past weekend, a family party. Andy's parents flew in from Chicago last Thursday. It's so special to have them here with us, and then to have everyone — Andy's parents, Amelia's birthparents and siblings and grandparents, and my family, including a surprise visit home from our niece Arden (now away at college!) — here together in one place is just magical. I really have no words to describe it. I just love this group so much, and feel so lucky and so incredibly blessed to be part of this family. Amelia is like the sun. She talks into a megaphone: "ATTENTION, EVERYONE. I JUST GOT. ANOTHER CARD. IT'S GOT A DOG IN A CAR ON IT. " Her brother: "It's a bus." Amelia: "IT'S GOT A DOG IN A . . . TRICKY BUS." Oh, my dear, sweet love. "ATTENTION, EVERYONE! SIERRA CAN'T FIND HER BALLOON!!!" Everyone: What color is it? Where did you last have it? I'll help you look for it! There is so much laughter, and so much loving. There were so many pictures I didn't get to take, and so many moments I want to remember.
Because just like that, she is five.
Andy's mom and dad ("Grandma and Pops") leave tomorrow. I'll be sad to have the celebration close. Amelia's at school this morning, for a little bit of normalcy in an unusual week. We got a huge box of apples from a neighbor-boy of ours who was selling them for Boy Scouts. I have subscribed to the New York Times cooking app in hopes of kick-starting my flagging cooking mojo. I spent the morning looking at apple recipes and hope to try out at least a few with the thirty apples now sitting in the kitchen. Autumn is here in earnest. Flowers in the garden bleach out from the sun then sog under the weight of sudden, gumball-sized hail, then sun again, and then a huge rainbow goes right through the tree across the street. Clouds whirl, lightning flares, and then sun again through flashing trees. Cold nights, the smell of woodsmoke in the air. Pumpkins on the porch, and Halloween ahead. I'm making a cat costume next. Our girl is five and she picks these things for herself now. I couldn't be more proud of her. I love her and all of it so much.
Cake topper with a dress that matched Mimi's?
You are a legend.
wow! what a celebration. these birthday posts are just so much fun. thanks for taking us along on this sweet ride. oh, and condolences on that whole megaphone thing.....
"Attention, Everyone" is just hysterical. And to think she is only 5. I don't think I learned to speak out loud to a crowd (even if it was family) until I was in my teens. Imagine what is going to happen with Amelia by that time! The photos are just delightful. And she looks so happy. Thank you.
Happy Birthday to your sparkling, vivacious Five year old. Everything looks so beautiful. Happy fall to you too... It's spring where I live and the weather is very flighty at the mo!
Happy 5th Birthday, Amelia!! It looks and sounds like a wonderful celebration! The photo of you and Amelia brought tears to my eyes - the love and safety she feels with you shines so bright. What a beautiful family you have. Thank you for sharing glimpses with us. They bring me much peace and hope.
Happiest of Birthdays to your BEAUTIFUL girl Alicia! You are the BEST Mommy ever! What a wonderful celebration...full of love and happiness for your baby girl! Cheers to you, and your lovely family!
Congratulations! You are doing an amazing job MUM. She is healthy, happy and beautiful.
Happy birthday to Amelia! What a sweet photo of you two! Is that hail that we see in one of the photos? Whau! This was a marvelous party! Every detail shows love. The dress looks lovely on her!
So glad to see you in one of the photos. I'm guilty of not being in any as I'm always the photographer, cake baker, etc. I love your decorating style and the way you do things. Thank you for sharing :)
Happy Birthday Mimi! I am a little bit late, sorry) I still remember the day she became a part of your wonderful family! And she’s so darling little lady, in that birthday dress and pinafore. Wish all of you all the best, be happy!!!
Amelia's birthday parties look like a little girls' dream come true. The pink cake was over the moon. Love the sweater, and it fits like a glove.
I too love fall-spring, being a cold weather person. Hello fall!
Happy Fall to you! I'm just itching to see the new pattern for your winter cross-stitch. I made last year's as my first ever, wrapped it up for my parents for Christmas and they loved it. I will **try** to be patient for when you announce your preorders.
xoxo,
Courtney
Happy happy being five, sweet clever dancing Amelia. and happy being parents of a five year old dear Alicia and Andy. In my dress up box I have a white frilly broderie anglaise apron similar to Amelia's that my Mum made for me for a performance as Alice (in Wonderland). I wore it with a blue gathered skirt, puffed sleeve, dress and an 'Alice band' (headband) and it became the best item in the dress up box for years. I love that you made her this Beatrix Potter outfit.
Belated Happy Birthday, Amelia. Glad to hear it was fun. Can’t believe you’re already five.
Alicia, will you someday tell the story of that patchwork door, how you did it, etc? I am intrigued by it and, so far, have not found post about it.
The parties look like so much fun but her Hunca Munca dress! What a beautiful dress, you really come through on requests. She looks so proud and happy wearing it.
I love that Liberty print blouse in the picture! Is that your Mom, did she make it? Belated Happy Birthday wishes to Amelia, the fairy tale girl :-)
Hands down, the most gorgeous birthday cake I've ever seen. My daughter turns one next month and if I can pull together a party just HALF as pretty, I will be pleased! So many gorgeous details.
Would you be my mom and dad? The safe, loving, caring, inclusive, honoring home and life. She is blessed and thank you for reminding me that life can be lived like this in the middle of all the turmoil.
WOW. She is FIVE?!?!!!! I remember when you brought her home. Seeing her grow is pure magic. 😍
Wishing you and your family a happy Christmas and a safe, prosperous and productive new year...