Thank you MeMe and PawPaw

On Friday HC received a card in the mail. She opened it with glee and was even more thrilled to find a sparkly card inside the envelope. And then there was the money... HC had visions of spending in her head. This 5 year old birthday celebration was the longest I've seen.
HC received 2 birthday cards from toy stores that I did not give her yet but when HC had money to spend I decided to hand the cards over. MeMe wanted HC to buy dresses and clothes but HC really is well supplied in that area. I decided to let HC have freedom to choose how she spent her money. She has been begging us for tennis shoes and we've either had a busy day and no time to go or I told her 'we will buy them next week'. I thought this was the perfect time for HC to buy her shoes. So that was our first stop. HC bought a $30 pair of shoes for $20!! WooHoo!! She saved $ and had more for her next stop... she received a birthday card with a coupon inside from Build A Bear. So... she indulged and bought an outfit and 2 pair of shoes for her bears. She felt so big to have her own money and to get her change and receipts.
Then it was off to Toys R Us for the birthday treat of balloon/hat and announcement of HC shopping in the store. She had a blast - they too sent her birthday card with a coupon.
HC happily toted this bag into the van with hopes that she could open it NOW.....
The bear on her left (under her arm with the phone) has on the new outfit and both bears have new shoes. She bought her first polly pocket item and of course her new tennis shoes. She even has $ to put in the bank. (She could have spent more but... we felt she should also save a little).

I believe HC's 5th birthday is officially over now. Thank you so much MeMe and PawPaw! I only wish you could have seen her shopping. She had the best time feeling like a birthday girl all over again! We miss you!

Oh... one last detail. When HC opened her card and found the money she said "Mom. I think JB has been great to not get to spend any money. I think I should buy him a prize for being such a good friend to me." She bought him an Elmo book about Baseball and it plays the melody of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". JB was so excited. I was proud of HC for thinking of JB.. I've been telling her how great JB's been with hopes that she will have the same attitude when it is JB's turn to celebrate. :)