You might remember it from her birthday last year:

***Normally I would have never ran out to buy a special shirt like that, but the one we had got rust spots on it as I was ironing it, so I had to get a new one any ways.*** It was at this point that I realized - "She's five.  She has opinions of her own and it won't be long before she doesn't 'need' me anymore."  Yes, it was the black shirt that got me thinking along that path.  Black.  Really.  Black.  I know she's growing up, but can't we stick with pink and purple a little longer?  I blame the book Purplelicious.  On a more pink note thou, she did request that everyone wear pink yesterday.  Did we oblige?  Of course!  How can you turn a precious five year old down who is batting her eyes and use every ounce of manners she has?  You can't!  Not even her six-year-old-I'll-do-anything-I-can-to press-your-buttons-brother could turn her down.  I must admit, I immediately went to thoughts of "photo opt."  And if I were at home and had the ability to upload my photos I would share one.

So, after the extravaganza of getting dressed we (Chris, Evan, Merit, Rick & Carole - aka my in-laws, and I) piled in the mini and headed to Crown Center - aka Merit's haven!  She loved it.  We went to Kaleidoscope, where Merit got into her almost silent (that's how you can tell Merit's really into something) mode and harnessed her creative spirit.  Kaleidoscope was followed by lunch at the Crayola Cafe with Uncle Glen, a toy store, a candy store, a  Rainforest Adventure and a stampin' good trip through the Hallmark Visitor's Center/Museum.  Our little 5 year old loved every minute of it.  She took it all it and ate it all up.  

But the fun did not stop there.  After a quick "rest" of playing with new toys and eating her requested fried rice dinner (courtesy of Chef Chris), Merit chose to go swimming.  As if that was not enough, we followed it up with a cake fit for our princess and ice cream.  She was beat after that and much to my heart's desire my little 5 year old fell asleep in my arms as I rocked her!

I love you, Merit.  You are the best surprise I could have ever gotten!  I thank God each and everyday that He let me be your mommy.  You truly are a gift from heaven.  You make me smile and laugh each and every day.  I love your kind spirit.  I look at you and see a mini me.  I love you.  Thank you for being so wonderfully special!