Sarah turns 5

These days come around all to fast for the parents and all too slowly for the kids. The 3 year-old we brought out here is now 5... *sniff*

There has been much counting down to this day, about 3 months worth, intensifying in the last few weeks and resulting in a daily consultation with the calendar hanging in the kitchen to count the remaining sleeps until the big day finally arrives.

Well, it inevitably did. Hayley was in London for the big day, so the morning wasn't complete, but still, this was no reason enough to quell the excitement.

Let the unwrapping begin!
Oh, yeah! What next?

For some reason, Saz has really taken to the arty crafty thing, she wants things like weaving looms and knitting needles for presents.

At school, with the mates, some wonderful personal effort was made by the teachers - Hanka, Katka and Marian, who all went out of their way to make the day special - thanks guys!

Fun and games - the Queen is sleeping can't you see...?

And, now, my loyal subjects, lend me your ears...

I love having birthdays!

The obligatory junk food parade, Marian makes sure the revelers get some juice.

Classroom, complete with banners, streamers and happiness


When the girls favourite artist is on the hifi, there will be dancing, rock on Kylie!

Katka and Marian break out the formation dancing thing, I can't remember when last I saw the Makarena! If this is work, these two are masters!

Everyone follows the leader, even if the leader is folding the ironing :)

One butterfly cake and one happy birthday girl

Ok, use your imagination a little - it is a butterfly burning antennae and all


Saz and entourage. Amber is sulking off in the left dark corner of the screen, you can see her all crumpled up on the floor - this is what happens when she can't hand out the party packs.

Now, because mom wasn't around for the morning formalities, we did them all over again when she got home in the evening. Some special presents were left out just for the occasion.

When we returned from the Holland trip, Saz lost her Winnie Pooh somewhere on the metro or bus, and was shattered because of it. Still, if you will be careless, you will find it tough, we let her learn the lesson of leaving her most treasured friend for someone else to take home for the 2 or 3 weeks that elapsed between then and now. Many a tear was shed over this loss... breaks your heart it does.

We made her open the other presents first even though she locked onto the Pooh bear package in a second.
When asked what she thought it was, she was right on the money, and just look at this scene unfold - a golden bear emerges from the wrapping as does the biggest smile of the day.

What a huge hug for the home coming of her best friend

I can't let him go yet mom - poor Pooh getting hugged flat

Happiness is!