Amelia is FIVE YEARS OLD!

Amelia woke up to cinnamon rolls on her birthday.

One of her favorites!

Her Daddy gave her a special necklace. 

She loved it.

We took a few birthday pictures and then headed off to Bible study. 

She was happy to go to CBS on her birthday. It's also a favorite!

We headed to the polls after Bible study.

Early voting had started, so we stood in line and got it done. 

What every five year old wants to do on their birthday!

We let Amelia choose where she wanted to eat dinner on her birthday. 

All Aboard!

They were really sweet by sending her a birthday note and train whistle to our table. 

Time for birthday cake!

We were happy that Papa could join us for dinner!

She had a great day.

It's hard to believe she's five years old.

It was just yesterday that I was holding her for the first time.

I remember thinking the first year just flew by. 

There sat my ONE year old baby having her first bite of cake!

Before I knew it, she was a TWO year old toddler, talking up a storm.

Along came THREE, still as sweet as can be!

And then came FOUR, a toddler no more.

And here we are now, celebrating FIVE years, somehow!?

Amelia, you've been my best, little girlfriend from the very start.

You make me laugh every single day. 

When I think about who you are right now, at five years old...

You're in no way perfect, but I get these glimpses of your heart...I get these glimpses of who you are, already, at such a young age and it's amazing. 

I know every parent must feel this way about their child, but you are mine, and I just want you to know how proud I am to be your mama. 

I love to hear you pray. You pray with such matter-of-factness, like you know who God is and what He is able to do and you have no doubt He'll do it. Your Daddy says he loves the sincerity of your prayers. 

I love to watch you with your sister. You love to hug and take care of her, like a little mama.

I love to watch you with friends. Time with your friends is one of your favorite things. And you never leave your friends without lots of hugs. 

I love to watch you around people who you've just met. You're the first to introduce yourself to people and love making new friends.

I love to watch you play. You have a big imagination and love to learn new things.

I love to hear you sing. You sing at the top of your lungs in worship service on Sundays and it's the sweetest sound I've ever heard. You love to make up songs that rhyme. They make no sense, much of the time, but it's funny!

I love to watch you serve. You're ALWAYS offering to help me and Daddy. You love making gifts for your family and friends. If you go to someone's house, you take them a card. If you go to a party, you always have to take a gift. We've started keeping art supplies in the car for unexpected cards/gifts you decide you need to make for someone on the way.

I call you my little tenderheart. 

Never lose that, Amelia. 

Yes, that means things will hurt big, but that will just allow you to forgive, and in turn, love big. 

We love you BIG, Amelia Joy. 

Happy 5th Birthday!

Daddy and Mama