Scenes from a Birthday

This is Mariel before heading to Shining Rivers for her birthday.  She was quite excited about her outfit for her birthday: Striped dress (white and hot pink), polka dot tights (purples), puzzle rain boots (every color imaginable), and her pink windbreaker. 

She then insisted on taking MY picture, because I have taken her "Shining Rivers picture" many times while she stands in front of the door.  So, this is what I looked like on her birthday for our trip to school.  Unlike her, I am the same height on the first day we went to Shining Rivers over a year and half ago as I am today.

Birthdays are a BIG DEAL at Shining Rivers.  The teachers set up a circle, do a special song and story, and there are candles lit and a (parent written) tale for every year of the childs life.  It is a very sweet, touching celebration.  The rainbow chair just to the right has been Mariel's this year, so it was set in the place of honor.  Her teacher, Michiyo, made her a special play crown as a gift and I made some oatmeal cookies to bring in for a treat. 

It was a beautiful day and the class got to spend some time outside- this is them contemplating a robin that flew down and was hanging out in the "meadow."  After that I took Mariel to her new preschool and she got a second celebration (with store bought cookies this time).  Of course, I forgot my camera!

While she was at school I worked on the garden (it was 70 degrees out!) and put together celebration number 3 for the day.  She had lots of presents - she loved ALL of them!- and a new set of fairy princess sheets for her bed.  We had macaroni and cheese and sausage for dinner, and then chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting.  She was a pretty happy girl!