February 6, 2025: The Fifth Birthday

I’m 99.9% sure my 5th birthday party was at McDonald’s.

Imagine a small, brightly colored room packed with kindergarteners. Throw in some Happy Meals, frosted cake, and a mysterious orange drink — and that place became ground zero for craziness. Then it got even better. A certain red-haired clown named Ronald made his entrance with that creepy grin and ensured he’d haunt our dreams forever.

Good times.

The last time I attended a five-year-old’s birthday party was 13 years ago, for my youngest child. But today, I celebrated another one. For the sweetest little girl you could ever meet.

Blonde hair, dark eyes. A heart full of love. Always up for a cuddle, a walk, or a round of hide-and-seek.

Happy 5th Birthday to our fluffiest family member, a bundle of legendary licks, our Golden Retriever, Cali.

Think I'll grab her some fries from Mickey D’s. Old habits die hard.