They Have Good Ice Cream

 This is the reason Matilda gave for picking the mall for her birthday dinner.  As you can see in the picture, she was very happy with her choice (plus she keeps telling us she's allergic to cake?!?!?!).  Overall, it seems she had a very good 5th birthday; ice cream at the mall, a crown to wear at school, playing on the mall playground, treats and stickers to give her friends at school and a party to look forward to on Saturday.  She is having a bit of trouble understanding that she really did turn 5 yesterday, not this Saturday when she has her party.  I am thinking of adopting this way of thinking...if you don't have a party, you don't turn older.

This past weekend, we had our second (and last) opportunity to watch Matilda's ballet class.  While she has been protesting going to class lately, she sure did seem to enjoy it when we were there!