Her Highness Turns Five

Here are some pictures from Eliza's birthday party yesterday. Out of respect for her personality and wishes (and my stress level, which was also affected by preparations for travel and by serving on/transporting kids to and from Bible Camp), we kept it small (cousins, best friend Rhynn, Aunt Jenni, invited neighbor who didn't make it, adult friend Melissa) and informal. The kids decorated T-shirts, swam in our generous neighbor's pool, and chowed down on cupcakes, which I left in the oven a bit too long. ;-) Even without a Martha Stewart Mommy, Eliza seemed to really have a good time, which is the main point, right?

She's funny, though. Ian, when receiving a gift, tears off the paper exuberantly, as if participating in the Giftwrap Derby, and then usually makes lots of noise about the contents. "MARS MISSION LEGOS! AWESOME!!!" Eliza unwraps slowly and deliberately, gazes silently at the gift, then puts it down, sometimes remembering to say "thank you," and sometimes stopping to tinker with the thing a bit. I usually feel compelled to gush on her behalf. ;-)

Oh, and the first two pictures of Caroline are just a special bonus you get for visiting this blog today. They encapsulate her personality so magnificently. Enjoy!