Ainsley is 5!!

Ainsley turned 5 in April. Five! She celebrated with a family party along with a small friend party. She had a few of her good friends, Mya, Leah, Angel, and Mia over for a tea party. It was so fun to have a girly party, with "tea" (water), fancy dress ups, and dancing. I think it was a success!

Since December, Ainsley had been taking dance class, which she loved. Every week, she was so excited to go to class. (She also was in class with Mya.)  In June, Ainsley had her first recital. It was awesome! She had the biggest smile the whole time. - it was so precious! I may have had a few tears after watching her dance.

In the spring, Ainsley decided that she wanted to ride a two wheeler. She is a very determined little girl when she wants to do something! After a week or two of practice, she was able to accomplish it! She now zips around the neighborhood with all the big kids.

In the winter, Ainsley learned to roller skate. She was once again determined to keep up with the other kids and not have me help her around the rink.

Ainsley, Evan, Nani and I have enjoyed going to the Cincy Children's Theater. We have seen Annie Jr, the Night Before Christmas, and Pinkalicious. Ainsley loved going! Her face lights up when she is watching the shows. Speaking of shows, Ainsley also loved the move Frozen! We were able to see the movie 3 times in the theater, and even got a chance to dress up for the sing-a-long.

In May, our family had such a wonderful time at Disney. Ainsley's favorites were meeting Ariel, the Ariel ride, and meeting all the other princesses. :) She also was selected to play the part of the Beast with Belle and loved the parades. She tried out Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain, but once was enough. We were proud of her for trying! (She was not so crazy about the live studio shows at Hollywood Studios.)  Watching her face light up and experience everything was so special. I think Doug and I will always treasure those memories.

In May, Ainsley finished up preschool! She had a wonderful year. She was in class with Mya and loved going each day. She has learned so much this year. She can write her first and last name, and is able to read the first few BOB books by herself. We can't wait to see where kindergarten takes her!

Here is a sample of her writing. These are all words that she wrote herself (without us telling her spelling, etc).

This summer, Ainsley got to go to Safety Town with Mya, Angel, and Chloe where she had a blast. We also joined Lifetime - she has enjoyed climbing and swimming. Ainsley is extremely determined to make her way up the rock wall. Just yesterday, Ainsley passed her swim test swimming 25m without touching the sides. (Can you see a pattern with the determination? :)) We were also lucky to go to the lake again this year, which really helped Ainsley learn to swim.

At home, Ainsley loves to play! She is so good playing independently and with friends. She loves play pretend games like house, mommies, kitchen, going on a trip, and barbies. She also loves to dress up and pick out her own outfits.

Ainsley is such a joy! She is the perfect combination of sweet and independence. Either Doug or I still snuggles with her each night. She cares about other people and has the best dimpled smile. We love this little girl!