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.
I loved reading about the celebrations for Amelia's birthday and particularly found it hilarious about her announcements on the megaphone! Her lovingly hand-made dress and apron looked beautiful (well done you) and reminded me of matching dress and aprons that my two daughters wore when they were little (now they have babies of their own)!
I also noticed that you were looking for apple recipes and thought I'd mention that apple crumble is one of the easiest recipes out there and is one of those cosy favourite puds here in the UK as it's so easy to make and tasty to eat, with custard, cream or ice cream! I've added a link in case you're interested.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/applecrumble_2971
Sweet girl..growing up before our eyes..My girls had pinafores too..
you can tell she is growing up:) Lovely pics and the two of you:)
You orchestreated a beautiful celebration for her mommy.
Wow!! Amelia is so grown up! In the picture of Amelia in her yellow coat and holding the flowers she looks so grown up. You are all so blessed! What a wonderful celebration for Amelia!
Such a magical post! I loved so many of the pictures but especially the ones of Amelia at her "friend party", her admiring the cake topper you created for her cake, the one with Andy's parents and the one with you--that smile in all of them and her pride in being "5" and it being "her day". Thanks for a peek at the magic you created for her.
Alicia,
I just adore that dress you wore for her birthday. Would you mind sharing if you made it, the pattern or where you found it?
Your parties are so whimsical and lovely, what a blessed little family you have !
Oh my goodness, how magical! And please do share where Andy's dad got that "Pops" shirt - my dad goes by Pops and it would be perfect for him!
Your parties look magnificent! I can't believe your sweet girl is five already. Happens so fast, doesn't it? Your photos just ooze love and contentment. xoxo
Happy birthday, Amelia! It's been a joy to watch her grow!
Beautiful party and those invitations are precious! :)
Oh, but that photo of your dear girl checking out her cake. Be still my heart <3
Dear, sweet Amelia, Happy Birthday! Every blessing and starshine and dewdrop and whimsy your way! xoxo
What a happy celebration and how I love you sharing her big day with us. What a joy parenthood is.
Great party, great pictures :-)
Love the cake!
xx
So curious about the details of your dress! Those blue tassels are calling my name...
Re apples!
I love making applesauce, both smooth and also chunky. You can make cran-apple, pear apple, apple pear ginger... I make it almost weekly during apple season and freeze a lot of it for later.
I like it as a hot breakfast by itself, or as a pancake/waffle accompaniment, or with potato latkes.
You could also make a Dutch baby pancake with some pan fried apples on top.
Also, obviously, super sweet photos and what sounds like an amazing 5th birthday!
Happy Birthday to your sweet girl. Five is so much fun.
Thank you for sharing! Your baby girl is not a baby anymore. Your family is lucky indeed to have all of these loving people in your life. Happy Birthday to your sweet Amelia!
Love these photos... the one of her gazing up at the cake just captures that anticipation so perfectly! :)
I've enjoyed watching her grow up! And your photos are amazing!
In echo to Pia's comment, your brown/blue birthday dress is so much to "my" taste too and I'd also love to know where you got it, or if you made it etc. Best birthday wishes to your sweet daughter and it's been lovely following your blog for so many years. Thank you!
How sweet! My little brother just turned five on Sunday. I didn't realize they were the same age until now.
Happy, happy birthday to y'all. Such a lovely celebration; thank you for sharing.
Oh my. Happy Birthday Amelia! What a beautiful, love-filled, joyous celebration.
Spectacular and magical all rolled into one.
I do love the cupcake toppers so much. And your cake topper is a work of pure art & love. Can Miss Em get any cuter!?! Oh, Alicia she is growing up so fast.
What a joy to have family around at these times. What a blessing.
The photo of you two just glows with love.
Happy times, happy times.
Oh dear, I forgot to mention those invitations are so precious.
And goodness, the table laid with so many tasty food temptations. What a wonderful and thoughtful birthday.
Five?!!! Not possible. Happy Birthday Amelia.