Chandler's 5th Birthday

Chandler Alexis is 5!!

And to get her birthday started off in the right direction this year, 

Gigie and Aunt Babs came down for a visit!

They brought gifts, hugs, smiles and laughter!

Next up, we took Chandler to the nail salon to do one of her FAVORITE things before her ACTUAL birthday.

She got to sit in the princess chair and have her toenails painted.

On her ACTUAL birthday, we attended a function with our lifegroup from church out at one of their ranches.  The day was spent swimming, grilling out, fishing, and feeding horses.

But they included a special surprise for Chandler a couple of her birthday twins at the end of the day.

They had this cake made for them and we all sang them happy birthday!!

That night, Mimi came in town to help us celebrate.  She got to open her gift from Mimi...

And Mommy and Daddy!

Then the next day was PARTY DAY!!

We got all fixed up in our My Little Pony Attire, complete with My Little Pony colorful "extensions", just in time for our company to arrive.  We put a little make-up on everyone, then headed to Build-A-Bear!!

I feel like it took me a while to "get" this, but Chandler seems to enjoy just having her few little "besties" with her rather than having a huge crowd.  So we made sure to plan a day they were all available.  Right now, Samantha, Ellery and Peyton are her favorite friends in the world!

Aren't they the CUTEST!!

And they were the most well-behaved girly girls that have ever existed.

The host kept trying to get them to be loud and wild and crazy with ZERO success!

They all got to pick out their own "pet" and then went through a series of things to make this new pet extra special and loved.

After they stuffed and groomed their new pets, they got to take them to the "dressing room" to pick out some new clothes for their pet.

Then they all sang to the birthday girl before we left.

And I mean, seriously????  Could they BE any cuter?

After Build-A-Bear, we went to Brooklyn's Pizza for some lunch, presents and cupcakes.

Her friends all know her so well.  Peyton got her some crazy cute new PJs.

Ellery got her a GIANT box of art & craft supplies.

And Samantha got her these awesome fingerpaints and tiny stuffed unicorn.

Again, most calm and well-behaved group ever as they scared down an insane amount of pizza...

And then it was time for the cake!

After we sang Happy Birthday, it was time to head home.  It was a happy birthday indeed!

Oh, Chandler Alexis Nalley!  When you were a baby, I remember describing you as charming, chatty and calm.  Sometimes it's crazy how early a personality can be revealed, because those are EXACTLY the words I would use to describe you today.  Only I would add caring and nurturing.  You make friends so easily, whether we are standing in line at a grocery store or at a summer camp where you don't know a soul.  You are not afraid to walk into an environment where you don't know anyone and I'm never nervous about leaving you because you are very good with your words and will sweetly let an adult know if there is a problem and I know how quickly you make friends!  You love to laugh and tell stories.  You have a vivid imagination and play well with children older than you as well as little ones...like your brother.  And you LOVE babies!  You are an early riser.  I often wake up to a kiss on my cheek and then you will rub my back or pat me until I'm awake enough to talk.  You are very easy-going!  You are happy to switch places, share with others, or do whatever needs to be done to make a situation peaceful.  This has always been your nature and a rare quality to find in a child.  I'm so happy that God made you mine!!

Happy 5th birthday, precious girl!!