Birthday Beach Bash

We spend most of our summer days at the beach, so what better place to meet up with friends to celebrate the Birthday Girl with a fun Beach Bash.

Jose packed up the truck early, and headed down to our fav spot(Cardiff State Beach) to set up. Ell and I followed shortly behind, stopping at VGs before hitting the sand.

Once Mama added the finishing touches, we waited for friends to arrive. Ell was beyond excited. 

Time for a sweet treat. 

Thanks to all who came out to celebrate our girl. It was the BEST day, spent with our favorite people!

Ella is 5!

Ella Catherine is 5.

I can hardly believe it!

Our morning started off with balloons and presents for the birthday girl. The night before she said, "Mama, don't forget to put the streamers up in my room!" I love how she remembers every detail about past birthdays. Must mean we're doing something right. 

We kept things pretty simple, as she already had plenty of Birthday celebrations with family, and we had a fun beach day planned the following weekend to celebrate with friends!

We love you so much sweet girl, and cherish each day spent together. You have the sweetest, kindest heart, and are always so cheerful and helpful. You always kept your Dada and I on our toes, and are up for any challenge thrown your way!

We are so proud of the little gal you are becoming, and know this year is going to be full of exciting and memorable milestones. Happy 5th Birthday Ella Catherine!

Disney

We decided to SURPRISE Ella with a trip to Disney for her 5th birthday. 

She had no idea, mostly because we went in May

(two months before her actual birthday) to avoid the summer crowds. 

I took a video of her coming downstairs, where she had a HUGE 5 balloon, lots of Mickey presents and treats, two new outfits, and this letter!

We arrived early, and were anxious to get to the park before it opened. 

Here we are waiting for our shuttle. 

Ears on and ready to go!

First stop, Matterhorn. 

 I felt awful during the entire Space Mountain ride. She was so scared, but powered through and came out with no tears and a smile. She was so brave!

Autopia time. Let's gooooooo Dad!

We saw Pluto in Toontown, but didn't see any other characters until we left!

Can't do Disney without a  yummy pretzel!

Finally reached 42 inches! I never thought she would, but she finally had a growth spurt. 

Waiting for Thunder Mountain, her favorite ride!!

We had the BEST day, and made it on most rides. Ella loves rides, and was up for anything, which makes any visit to an amusement park fun. 

There were more people than we expected, but we still made it on each ride in less than 30 minutes. We even managed to use several fast passes throughout the day. 

Her favorite rides were Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and The Jungle Cruise. We went on these rides multiple times. 

Her least favorite was Space Mountain and Matterhorn. Too dark and scary!

We decided to skip most of Fantasyland, which Ell didn't mind one bit.

This guy had fun too. So glad he was able to take the day off to spend with us.

On our way out we were greeted by our two favorites, Mickey & Minnie!

And that's a wrap! She didn't even make it out of the parking lot. Until next year!