Gemma is 5!

 Gemma turned 5 earlier in March. Her birthday falls on the school's spring break. I don't know if she'll like that or not as she starts school next year. She was sad to not see her preschool friends on her birthday. However, it allowed her more time to do fun activities. She wanted to go bowling and visit the library on her birthday. She requested chicken salad sandwiches and fruit salad for her birthday dinner. Gemma got introduced to Barbies from Joseph's sister during our last trip to Utah and that is all she wanted for her birthday. So we are a Barbie house now.

Gemma loves being 5. She is convinced anyone that is also 5 is her twin. We threw Gemma a little friend's birthday party. She invited a couple friends from the neighborhood as well as from church and preschool. Her theme was "Leopard, Ballet, Butterfly, Princess." And I think we accomplished all of those themes. We played "Leopard, Leopard, where's your meat?" and Pin the Gem on the Crown. We made a butterfly craft. I made tulle tutus for the friends and we had a ballet lesson for the girls. Gemma had a fun time with all her friends. 

The Sunday before her birthday, I got a call from one of Gemma's primary teachers. She wanted to have our family over for dinner. This woman has three children and lost her husband in a sudden event 18 months ago. We showed up and it was a surprise birthday celebration for Gemma! She had made so much food! And it was delicious- shrimp, chicken, fish, a ton of food. She had gotten an ice cream cake for Gemma with candles and a few gifts for her. It was beyond thoughtful and such an act of service to me.