Baby Belle is 5 Years Old!

We returned home from Orlando just a few hours shy of Isabelle's actual 5th birthday. We were all exhausted after a week-long celebration so we decided that some quiet time at home would be the nicest way to spend the day. Isabelle had already opened many presents over the last several days from her grandparents and extended family, but we had saved a few gifts for the actual March 23rd. Isabelle was beyond thrilled when she opened her very own fish tank complete with rocks, a tunnel, plants, shells and even a bubbling volcano. She especially loved going to the pet store and BUYING some pets, rather than just browsing like usual. She is very proud to now be a pet-owner and takes great care of her fish!

Since I knew I would be spending much of the day unpacking, doing laundry and playing catch-up I told Jelly she could invite a friend over for a birthday playdate. She immediately said she wanted to invite Caleb A. over so when his mom dropped him off shortly after breakfast she was thrilled. They had fun together playing, make-believeing, eating lunch and just being silly 5 year olds.

We ended the day with a yummy ice cream cake from HEB and hopped into bed early. It was a perfect end to a wonderful celebration. Isabelle is such a special little girl and is definately wise beyond her years. She has always been very rational and never ever stops thinking. What a joy it is to be her parents!

Ten interesting things about Isabelle at Age 5:

1. She still loves cheese! Macaroni and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Cheese stick or a Cheese Quesadilla...she eats at least one of these daily.
2. She is still very clingy and has seperation anxiety! Sometimes when I run to Target she calls me crying because she misses me SO much... and she is home with Ben! Sometimes it's hard to be so loved.
3. She loves to travel!!! After a few days at home she is packing her bags and back ready to get on the road.
4. She loves to play on a sports team. So far she has loved two seasons of soccer and basketball.
5. She loves to read books and is getting close to figuring out how to read on her own.
6. She prefers to wear a fluffy dress or skirt everyday and twirl all day long.
7. She is a wonderful big sister. She adores Olivia and lets her steal all her toys and knock down all her towers constantly. All day long she tells Livi You're the best baby!
8. She would rather not go to church. Every week she begs to not go.
9. She likes to wear make-up. She has some glitter blush which she calls cheek and she often puts it on in the morning with a little lipstick of course.
10. She still has a huge imagination and plays make-believe most of the time. She loves all of her stuffed friends as if they were real and they usually play a major part in our day.

We love you Isabelle!