5th birthday party

I am still in a bit of shock that I have a 5 year old - 5 years old. This is big - kindergarten in the fall, music lessons, extracurricular activities - I have a school-aged child.  Eliza is a special girl with a plethora of talents and abilities.  I really tried hard this year to make the girl feel special.  Parties, celebrations, and gifts are so important to Eliza.  She has been "planning" her birthday party for 6 months.  She wanted a Little Mermaid cake, plenty of decorations, and a chance to be Ariel.    2 weeks before her birthday, she told dad that he had better start making the decorations for her party.  Everyday she asked him why he wasn't working on her decorations.  The night before her birthday, I sent Bruce to Walmart to pick up some Little Mermaid decorations to hang up around the house.  While he was working on spicing up the house, I spent some time making this.....

A glimpse of some of the decorations - not pictured is the princess themed "Happy Birthday" sign and the dozen Littler Mermaid streamers hanging from sporadic places in the front room and kitchen. 

As the clock turned over welcoming in the next day, Bruce and I looked at each other in the midst of a messy kitchen and decorations everywhere, and we both had the same thought.  If we had started doing this when she told us to, we wouldn't be up late the night before trying to get this done. 

In the middle of the night - that's when Eliza made her big debut.  We waited and longed 5 years to see that sweet baby face, and now 5 years later, I couldn't wait to see her face in the morning when she saw our hard work.  Neither she or I was disappointed. 

Later that afternoon, we had a "mermaid" swim party at the local pool.  With our pool membership and guest passes, we were able to get everyone in.  We took a quick break from swimming for some pizza and lemonade. 

not sure why Zabien is pouting here

We didn't have enough chairs at one table, so poor Ian had to sit at a neighboring table.  I don't think he minded too much though. 

Back in the water while I cleaned up the pizza, then it was time for cake.  Singing to the birthday girl. 

 She was really quite thrilled with the Little Mermaid play set on her cake.  She loved playing with all the pieces and acting out the movie. 

 

 Some of her party guests had to have an early exit, so she opened the presents from her friends. 

I thought Amalie and Amara's present wrapping was very cute and creative.  Boo-boo-chicken is kind of Eliza's catch phrase. 

 

The princess on her birthday!

playing Little Mermaid in the water

Hazel enjoying some cake

We stayed at the pool till they kicked us out.  They closed early to accommodate a swim meet, but we still got a good 4 hours in.  When we got home, she wanted to open her presents immediately.  I apologize in advance for these blurry pictures.  My phone camera lens has a hard time focusing, and lately the kids seem to think they need to move during the pictures. 

She got everything princess: princess body wash, lotion, and bathrobe, princess puzzles, a Cinderella and Jasmine Barbie doll, some Frozen canvas art for her bedroom wall, and some Disney learn to draw books.  Grandma Porter gave her an Anna and Elsa skating Barbie doll, 

Grandma Richards gave her this mermaid costume.

This little girl sure brings a lot of joy and sunshine in my life.  She is bright, smart, inquisitive, and thoughtful.  She sees a need and does her best to fulfill it.  She is helpful to her younger brother and sister.  She has such a desire to learn- she's creative, spunky, and definitely sassy.  She's beautiful inside and out and I love her so much.  I'm happy to see her grow, blossom, and flourish.  I know she will become even more amazing as she grows, but my heart is a little sad knowing that she is growing up.  Here's to many more years of happiness, joy, and fulfillment.  I love you sweetheart.