Poppy = 5

One week ago Poppy turned five.

(Is it just me or does it seem like I was posting about her last birthday just a month or two ago?)

And it was, whether or not I was happy about her turning a whole year older, a lot of fun.

Additionally – trying to look on the bright side of this kids-getting-older thing – it is easier for me to remember my littlest’s ages now.

Jude is 8, Shep is 7, Vivienne is 6, Pop is 5 and Lula is 4.

Until November, at least.

Unlike last year, the birthday girl did not request another handmade crown.

Or a photo shoot atop a pony.

*whew*

She did, however, request a very particular birthday meal.

In fact I suspect she’d been pondering this question for weeks because when I asked her what she wanted to have for dinner, a week before her big day, she spouted off a full menu without even taking a breath in between food items.

Hot dogs and hamburgers.

Fruit salad.

Strawberry cake.

Cherry coke.

And pickles.

Are five year olds the cutest, or what?

“Okay, Poppy. You’re the birthday girl,” I said as I tried to contain my joy for such a simple birthday menu.

I know I asked for hot dogs as my chosen birthday meal when I was a kid.

And I imagine my mom was just a relieved. My older sister, on the other hand, requested filet mignon.

Let’s hear it for easy-to-please kiddos.

Poppy said the best part of her big day was getting a long-awaited LeapPad – “long-awaited” meaning she’s been wanting it for more than 3 months.

Next best part? She’s *that much* closer to going in the big kids class at Sunday School.

Because this girl is ready-freddie to get out of the Pre-K class.

And get to gettin’ with the big kids.

Watch out world.

Today she’s five and asserting her readiness to run with the big kids.

Tomorrow? Who knows.

Just awfully grateful I get to be on the sidelines cheering her on.