We had a leisurely morning around home, during which Esme received a very nice birthday call from her Uncle Scott, Aunt Cathy, and cousin Megan. Later, when Nee-Nee and Papa showed up, we headed out for lunch at The Grand Traverse Pie Company. Mmmmmmm.... Esme had a peanut butter sandwich (no jelly, please!) and a pink-frosted cookie for lunch. Then we went to the Meijer Gardens to enjoy the plants, the sculptures, and the paths - and Jim took Esme's five-year-old pictures! These are the best ones (though it was a tough choice, there were LOTS of good ones):
I still haven't decided which is my favorite! Anyway, Aidan did this first, and it was such a great picture Jim had Esme do it, too:
Back at home, Esme opened her cards and gifts. She would like to thank Danielle, her auntie Melissa, and her great-aunts Jean and Rose for their thoughtful cards! Aidan gave her this Groovy Girl monkey:
...and from Mom and Dad, she received some Belleville Legos:
Nee-Nee and Papa gave Esme her latest WebKinz - a cocoa dinosaur who has been smacked with the moniker "Hot Cocoa" - and a family favorite, Mouse Tales. Esme and Nee-Nee have already read it together!
After presents, we had Jimmy John's subs for dinner (Esme had a slim #1 - ham and cheese), with lemonade made by Aidan (he's getting really good at that) and watermelon. Then it was cake time!!!
We are so very proud of our five-year-old girl! And with that milestone accomplished, she'll pass another one on Tuesday when she begins kindergarten. Wow!