Piper turns 5. What the ....?!?!

What's the one thing every woman says to you when you are expecting or when they see you wrestling your babies?? "It goes so fast" Not sure I've ever heard a more accurate statement.
Piper turned 5 October 7 and we celebrated her birthday at the Grand America Hotel with high tea the following Saturday.
This may have been the most amazing birthday party ever. We didn't have to do a darn thing. We put on fancy clothes and listed to a live harpist while we ate mini sandwiches with hot cocoa and tea. All of the little girls in Piper's class plus her besties Iris and Eli shared a beautiful little table with real linens, a blazing fire and gorgeous china. They were angels.

Happy Birthday to my beautiful little girl. You are the best gift in the world.

She takes my breath away. Thanks for the dress grandma Nettie. It was a show stopper as usual
xoxo

They just couldn't help it. They were so good but you can only hold still for so long when you're 5!

My best friend Sascha

Maui 2013

Maui is the reason we don't have cable. It's the reason we squander away money throughout the year. The place is so incredible. It's warm, clean, tranquil, full of life and smiles. More than anything I want my children and our family to travel.
We got to go this fall to Maui for a week and it was everything it always is, perfection.
This was Quinn's first time going. Piper's second time.

Guess who loves flying?? Pipes and Quinn are awesome

Cocktail hour for mom and dad

I adore this photo

Dad and Daryl

Cocktail hour again

Evening shuffleboard 

Yep this is where we spent each evening watching the sunset. Sunsets are taken quite seriously in Hawaii. 

Yoga Pipes

Quinn quite fancies Hawaii

Our 2013 Christmas card. Thanks dad

That's a happy man. Cold Hawaiian beer and hot hawaiian sun

Our birthday card for aunt Bug

Dis is how we roll

Missing our Frankie

Banana bread shack on top of the island. Bit of a hairy road getting there, but oh so worth it

Piper's First Day of Kindergarten

Our sweet girl started kindergarten 3 months ago. Momma is a slacker. Late poster.
Piper asked me not to cry. I held it together until I turned to walk out without her and sobbed. A total stranger asked me if I was ok. I wasn't ok. But I am now. I am not one of those moms who wants their kids to stay behind. I want them to leave the nest with full force.
It's not that easy. It's the right thing and it's my job, but it's not easy.