Isabel is 5

Five years ago today, she entered my life. This one sparkling, bright, pink jewel among a sea of dazzling, handsome blue gems. And what a journey it's been. I'm pretty sure she was born talking. And singing. And dancing. And drawing. And telling stories. And talking. And with a zest for life that is quite possibly without equal. And oh, how very loved she is.

We celebrated the big 5 - pardon me while I get slightly misty, I feel we are leaving little-girl hood and entering a new era - with a friend party on Saturday (see previous post for deets). And tonight we had a family party with Brian's parents, my 2 brothers and sister-in-law.

I tried to play photographer again, and get just one nice shot of Isabel on her birthday. Wow, it really wasn't in the cards this time around. Here's a pathetic offering. Hello, is that an angel? No, it's just Isabel in an extremely washed out picture. Grumble grumble. Seriously, a camera in my hands becomes a weapon of mass destruction. I'm almost as useless with a camera as I am with a cell phone. But I digress... that's a story for another day.

Let's head inside, shall we? Perhaps it gets better. Or, not.

When we get together with my brothers, it doesn't take long for a boy pile to develop. Such fun, these crazy, young, energetic, kid-less uncles.

Another cake, this time the seasonally scrumptious pumpkin delight-

More presents-

The Barbie CD sing-a-long CD player from us was an unbelievably huge hit. My daughter loves singing, music, dancing and performing, so this was the perfect gift. The boys joined in, and oh my, what a show we all enjoyed. Suffice it to say they all have the performing bug. Lucas had some sort of rock-star swagger, Isabel belted out the Lion King and a whole slew of patriotic songs, and the boys dueted (is that a word?) on some Jack Johnson. Now that's an evening of entertainment as its finest. We could charge admission!

The birthday girl with her Nanna and Grandpa-

Happy 5th birthday Isabel. You have our hearts.