Shannon is 5!

Shannon turned 5 on Thursday and her celebration has continued into the weekend with a party for family and friends.

 This time her cake was a doll and she seemed pleased.

 The kids did some painting outside.

The girls were pretty careful and deliberate in their brush strokes

 and the boys thought mixing the colors was fun!

 There was a variety of soups to choose from

 and we enjoyed having company use our dining room furniture for the first time!

 Lorry, Erwin and Bailey drove up for the day, much to Shannon's delight.

 She took her time opening gifts, and gave hugs to everyone.

 Lots of sweet presents - and so much color!

 We had the great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts Rachel and Kim, a couple cousins, and the Watsons, in addition to neighbors. It was a happy gathering.

 Sweet hugs

 Haylee read the cards to Shan, minus the cursive. Code for adults for years to come!

 She got lots of shoes, horses, jewelry, pajamas and more, including 

 her very own wonder woman hat and cape!

 Her wish would likely be that we return to Hermiston, but even so, I think Shan is making progress here. The morning tears are diminishing and she is making some friends.

 The swing continues to delight in its new tree.

Happy birthday to our girl. She makes us crazy, breaks and melts our hearts, and is just the most fascinating little willful person. Year 5 has been a doozy - oh what will the next one hold?