Hitting the milestone of five...

Mina, June ‎26, ‎2003

Mina, May 9th, 2008

With much dancing, music and celebration, our dear daughter has officially turned five. It is really hard to believe. 'Five' seems like a milestone and as a result, we've really been reflecting on this passage. Reflecting both on where we've come and where we are going. For me, the birth of Mina also meant a significant life and career shift. I remain truly thankful that i'm able to stay home with the kids, and for all the time that we have shared. I will always cherish these early years.

Five also brings the realization of another 'shift' that is quickly approaching and will change our daily life. Thankfully, Mina is rather excited to enter kindergarten in the fall. On her birthday morning, she quickly plotted it out "i'm five now!!! that means summer and then kindergarten!!!". We expect the transition to kindergarten to be fairly smooth, largely because she already goes to preschool at her elementary school. I also believe that this integration has built up the excitment of becoming a true elementary school student. She's had a wonderful introduction to school life and has enjoyed her preschool time there very much. We have a fun summer planned with a number of camping trips and summer camps, but i want to balance that with mellow family time and sibling time for M&M. Fall will come quickly enough, and i'm going to really miss our little girl.



We had a fun birthday for Mina, complete with sunshine. Pappa met us for lunch at Red Robin. She took strawberries and grapes to share with her preschool friends. And at the hour of five, she had four friends over to help her celebrate the big five. So five, at five to celebrate five! Mina was really happy to see all her friends and to host a drop-off party. It was a 'Dan Zanes dance party', which was an idea that Mina had months ago. We followed a similar program as when her cousins were in town for a party, dancing and playing to various tunes from her favourite singer. I also made some Dan Zanes colouring books for the girls, and everyone made their own pizza for dinner. Mina wanted Dan Zanes to be on her cake so we did one of those cakes where you print a picture on it. It turned out awesome. This was the first time we bought a cake and it will remain a memorable one.








Mina had the first piece and requested his guitar! Later pal Izie requested his head!

Thanks to everyone for all the wishes and joy for Mina.