Isabelle's 10th Birthday Bash - Glow Style

Isabelle was so excited to turn 10 years old. She told us for weeks that she would then be a "tween" and that 10 year olds always have a big "birthday bash!" Her excitement and enthusiasm was contagious and the day that she turned 2 handfuls Grammie, Grandpa, Leo, her two besties and I all met her at school for a birthday lunch. She decided pretty quickly that a glow-in-the-dark party would be the theme of the bash and she wrote me a list of supplies to pick up at the store. She made her own evite, which included both boys and girls, and planned multiple games, snacks, and party favors. Ben and I did a pretty good job of making her vision a reality and the day after she turned 10 years old our backyard was filled with kids, dancing, glow sticks and laughter late into the night.







Isabelle at 10 years old is....
* INTENSE She feels things deeply whether it is joy or sadness.
* SMART She has had her best year ever in math, which may be her worst subject, and still has never opened her book to review her spelling words. She is always at the top of the class across the board and Ben and I often realize we are very lucky that academics are never a concern.
* ATHLETIC She loves to play soccer and has continued to improve every season. She loves to run, shoot hoops, bike, etc.
* GRACEFUL She moved up to a ballet class that is full of 6/7 graders and has eased in with beauty and skill. Her barr work is as lovely as anyones in the class.
* A CHEESE LOVER. She continues to love all things cheesy and could eat macaroni and cheese every meal most days. She is easy to feed.
* FRIENDLY She is a friend to everyone and includes everyone. We laughed at her birthday party group because it was honestly like the Breakfast Club.
* A GOOD EXAMPLE Olivia looks up to Isabelle almost to a fault. We put a lot of pressure on Isabelle everyday because we know that her little sister watches her every move, and although she is not perfect...she does a pretty dang good job.
* ADVENTUROUS She loves roller coasters, heights and everything for a thrill. She also asks us to move weekly because she wants to meet new friends, see new places, etc. She is always up for an adventure.
* AN ANIMAL LOVER She continues to love dogs, horses, and all things small and furry. She cannot wait to spend her summer in Montana playing with Cocoa and LiviBelle and the new horse Toby.
* GROWING UP This has been a big year of changes. She is a little bit more emotional, goes to bed much later, and has had to deal with girlfriend drama. She and I have covered the puberty talk and she took it all very maturely and has asked appropriate questions. Although we hate to see her face these new phases of life, we know we cannot stop them. We just hope that she continues to be as good natured about it all as she has been so far.

Happy happy 10th birthday to our little Jelly. We learn with you every year and are grateful for your patience and love. You are always loved by everyone you meet and Dad and I can't imagine our lives without your special spirit in it.