Happy Birthday, Abby!

It's almost midnight and it's been one of the busiest days I've had in ages.  But I couldn't go to bed without taking a moment to blog about a very special girl!  Our little Abby turned 5 today!  I have more pictures from the day to share, but for now I'll just show the ones from this evening.

I just loved watching her face when everyone sang "Happy Birthday".  She really loved the limelight but seemed a little shy about it, too.  So cute.

Abby has been looking forward to turning 5 for a long time now.  The thing she is most excited about is starting school!  Today she asked me if she would be starting tomorrow, since I told her she wouldn't be going to school until she was 5.  Poor thing wasn't too happy when I told her that she still had to wait at least "180 more nights".

 Checking out her fun new presents.  She was definitely spoiled this year!!   Good thing a little spoiling never hurt anyone.

Abby had a little "party" at the park this afternoon, and then this evening we invited two families over for homemade pizza.  Anthony & Kristi brought Ellie a present too, and she was so excited.  As soon as I told her that she had a present to open, she nudged Abby off the chair and climbed up and sat down, ready to be the center of attention just like Abby had been.

Five years old!!

We love you, Abby!

The whole family-

Sisters.

Five things we love about Abby:

1.  She is very caring and loving towards Ellie.  The other day, Ellie started bleeding on her arm.  Abby immediately went to her side, cuddling her and consoling her (Ellie wasn't crying, she just seemed kind of scared and panicky).  Abby kept saying, "It's okay, honey, you're okay" in a high-pitched, sing-song voice to calm her down.  She never left her side until the band aid was on and Ellie was feeling better.  It was so cute - Abby seemed like a little nurse.

2. She is smart.  Abby is starting to read words here and there, and she loves to write cards to people.  She can even sound out how to spell many words on her own.

3. She is helpful!  Abby is constantly helping me with Ellie.  She helps her get dressed in the morning, helps Ellie get her shoes on, and is always running and getting things for me.

4.  She rarely complains about anything.  She has a happy disposition and is very cheerful all around.

5. She is funny.  She likes to make silly faces and say funny things.  She loves to make people laugh.

I am so thankful that Abby is in our little family.  She is such a little ray of sunshine and we just love her to pieces.  Happy Birthday, Abby!!  We love you!