Five years old!

You had the best day on Saturday, Payton. Almost daily for a month you've been asking about Chuck E Cheese's, knowing you would get to go there on your birthday. Finally the day came! Unfortunately your excitement began around 2am and finally we got you back to sleep around 6am - you skipped from room to room, raising your arm straight up in the air and every now and then you would yell "we did it!!". When I would tell you to be quiet because Koen is sleeping you would look at me and say "I CAN'T!" Funny thing is, I really don't think you could calm down! You couldn't contain your excitement. Ask anyone in your family, Payton, and they would all tell you this is their favorite thing about you. Your happiness starts in your toes and just explodes through your body - the whole room can feel it! Your smile goes from ear to ear and as soon as it appears, everyone in the room lights up.

You are such a blessing, Payton. I am so thankful for everything you've added to our lives. You work hard to do the smallest of things and it's so inspiring. Do you know how far you've come? Your grandma and I couldn't believe how well you did blowing out your candles on your birthday cake this year! Last year it took a while for you to blow them all out - and the drool was flying :) This year, you blew them out in two big breaths - we were so proud of you!! And - the party.....a year ago you would have been unable to handle such a big group of people. Not this year! You got right in there and danced with Chuck E Cheese. Your daddy and I fought back tears watching you have such a great time. We've waited a long time to see you so happy, Payton and it's been worth every second. We're so thankful for you, Payton. You made it! You're five years old!!!

Click here for the pics: Payton's slide show