Five is a BIG number.

In most cases, five might seem small. But for me, this weekend has made five seems like WAY to big of a number. Annica is five years old. You know the grandma's and "older women" that tell you to take it slow, enjoy it, time goes to quickly, before you know it she'll be five!" Yes, many women told me that as well. And I did not realize the impact of it.

Annica is five, and it passed by too quickly. It happened before I realized it. She can get her own snacks, rush her own teeth, she even walks to class by herself at school. I can't protect her completely, make her follow my every move, and she even out smarts me sometimes. For instance, she is awesome at swimming, in the 3 feet. No floaties, no fear, no problem. Then a few weeks ago, she tried to hop into the five feet without her floaties. I told her to go put them on. She said, "mom I can do it." I said "No Annica, you need to obey." and she insisted - "let me  show you mom". I have always said I will listen to my children when they speak to me, so I backed down reluctantly. She swam 15-20 feet across the pool, in the deepest part.

She is too old. She is getting more and more independent. And to think she came home this small.

She got to celebrate her birthday at school, and be the leader. Eli and I went to eat lunch with her and have cupcakes with the class.

A long time ago, she said she wanted to go to the beach for her birthday. We miss the beach, so sure! Why not? we drove 4 1/2 hours and spent the weekend in Destin. (more to come on that). And we partied hard. Happy Birthday my Big Five year old! We are so proud of you! And love you so much!