Rylee Turns 5!

Today was the day our eldest turned 5!! It seems strange to say that because we've actually been introducing her as 5 or almost 5 since we got here:)  But, today it's TRUE and we had a GREAT day! It was our tradition family celebration day with Rylee in charge of most all decisions and planning of the day! She chose Food: Pfannkuchen (pancakes) for breakfast, lunch at the playplace (chicken nuggets and pommes (french fries), and Mac-n-Cheese and hot dogs for dinner.  For her fun acitvity we went to Pinocchio Park in Mannheim - amazing fun!!  She unwrapped presents throughout the day and she even convinced Daddy to come home early from work. We spent the evening watching American Toons on Slingbox ---truly a perfect day for Rylee!!!  She warmed my heart all day by saying that she was having the "bestest day of my life"..and then tonight came up to me in all sincerity and hugged me and said, "Mom, you really did give me the most magical  day. All my dreams came true!"  Yes, I choked up and just held on to her. There's NO better gift for me then those words and actions!!! Rylee is growing in to one strong, loving, intelligent, energetic and creative little girl! Enjoy these pics of her day...

The day started with the fun of a decorated home! Germanys traditionally decorate the entire home to celebrate - we had streamers and balloons on her bedroom doorway, on this arch and then all around the kitchen table! She LOVED this part!!!

How precious is she??? We incorporated the German tradition of a Birthday Ring - it's made of wood and you light a candle for each year as well as the "life candle" in the middle!  We lit it during all meals and while opening presents. Some families keep it lit all day - but we weren't that brave (or crazy?)!

Rylee's choice for her fun activity for the day was to go to Pinocchio Park - an amzing indoor play place!!! We spent 4 hours there having a complete blast!



Amazing jumping on the 1 of 6 trampolines at Pinocchio Park!




Her Cake...Can I just say that cakes and cake mixes are NOT the same here...and there's no such thing as canned frosting. It has a slight glaze on it--but then the most important part per Rylee's request - Gummy Bears!(very Germany also)




The Gifts...2 traditional German toys(Doll and the wooden doll that I just noticed didn't show up in this picture - it's hanging from the light above her :)



The Evening Meal...Gool "ol Mac-n-Cheese from America with hot dogs - and some local strawberries and veggies thrown in to round out the healthy dinner!