She's Five!

Dear Lacey,

Do you know that on the day your mom and dad told us 

that they were getting ready for a baby  -

we were the happiest Papa and Mimi on this earth?

When you were born, your mom was so thrilled that she had a girl

and your daddy smiled when people said you look just like him!

I love how both of them have their hand of protection on you in this photo -

knowing how that little flame looks like it would be so much fun to touch!

A picture of how they care for you in every way!

At that time you lived close by and you were the only one here . . .

making for lots of time to play, head to the park to visit the ducks

or spend time on the playground

Early on you loved to read stories, tap on the xylophone, color, 

walk in the rustling leaves or feed the animals at the petting zoo.

And just like Mimi, you love pancakes and cinnamon buns -

which are also a lot of fun to mix and roll out together!

You love the outdoors and even prairie winter temperatures have not been too cold for you to go in the bicycle trailer with papa on his run.

Your life between where we live and where you live and all the places in between

are a treasure box of memories  . . .

Christmas gifts and train rides.

Disneyland,

summer time mini golfing, lake time or baseball games,

sitting with Mimi at book signings,

helping Papa build a sandbox, 

tea parties with cousins, trips to the zoo, shopping,

playhouses, 

overnight visits and early morning snuggles . . .

are what come to mind quite easily.

Today you are five years old

with so much to look forward to!

You are a beautiful girl . . .

a big sister to look up to . . .

a cousin loved and adored . . .

and a granddaughter we are very proud of and thankful for!

Happy Birthday

and hope to see you soon!

Love always,

Papa and Mimi