Elise Turns Five!

Evan was spending so much time throwing balls at random targets that I decided to get him his own basketball hoop.  He became completely obsessed (and still is, somewhat.)  He'd wake up from a nap saying "basset!", and entertain himself for almost an hour at a time.  When he misses, he says, "almose!", and runs after the ball to try again.  He's a pretty good little shot.
   

  
This year I gave Elise a choice between a birthday party or spending her birthday at Disneyland.  She made a good choice, I think (although she did have a mini-party with her best friend a week later.)  Our Disneyland experience was the best so far.  Since we went on a weekday in late spring, there were a lot fewer crowds, and we were able to walk right on to a lot of the rides.  She got a special "It's my birthday" button at the entrance, which we soon discovered was for more than just decoration.  Every Disneyland employee that walked past or saw her wished her a special day.  It was pretty cool.  She even got sung to at the restaurant where we had lunch.  Her wishlist included eating a giant lolly-pop and/or cotton candy (she got both), and getting her face painted like a butterfly.  
   

Happy birthday little girl!  I can't believe you're five already!