Alivia Turns Five!

Amazing! Where does the time go...changing diapers, feedings and that beautiful tiny little face are just distant memories. Alivia, our first born precious little gift from heaven, turned five today. Mark and I are so proud of the person she has become. She is kind, loving, intelligent, thoughtful and works hard to do her best in every situation. At times that drive leads to an incecible desire to win. She is extremely competitive, strong willed and only wants to be a part if she knows she can win. She is always helpful and takes wonderful care of her sisters. Avery and Aleah light up when "Livi" walks in the room. What a great gift to have loving sisters...best friends. I pray that our girls will always have a deep, loving friendship.

Today was a great day full of family time to honor our birthday girl (and my Grandma Polly who shares her birthday with Alivia.) Mark and I hosted a birthday lunch and party for both sides of our family. Twenty-two in all. Now that is a feat with challenges all its own. But add in that we never seem to do anything the easy way, and you have the recipe for a Johnson marathon. Places to be, people to see and very little sleep!

Mark was traveling the past two weeks with a couple of days at home in between. Wednesday and Thursday nights were dress rehearsal for our dance recital, Friday and Saturday nights were the full show...Avery, Christa and me (yes, I returned to the stage this year) danced Friday and Alivia, Christa and me danced Saturday night. Avery attended Chloe's birthday at Little Gym on Saturday afternoon and the list continues. It was a full weekend.

All in all we had a great time. Alivia was so excited to turn five. She was all smiles all weekend. The marathon ended with Mark heading back to the airport this afternoon for one more week away.

So, yes, if you are keeping track that is a busy mom who missed an entire night of sleep getting ready for a birthday party, after four nights of dance recitals, having to get three lively little ones tucked in and asleep, clean the house and prepare for a week without daddy. Whew! Thankfully Aunt Cari, Uncle David and Grandma and Granddaddy stayed around to help with the fun. (And, Grandma even baked the cupcakes for Alivia's class party, too!) I think I will sleep soundly tonight!