where did the years go?

well, i promised a replacement camera, but that isn't going to happen for a few more weeks. it is a long story dealing with reward points and best buy and coupons and things of that nature (i'll spare you the details).

but because yesterday was a special day- my girls 5th birthday- i thought i'd post some old pics of her. you'll have to take my word for it- she was as cute as a button in real life yesterday. she danced around and sang the songs to barbie diamond castle all day and couldn't wait for her friend kate to arrive for a family dinner. you'll also have to take my word for it that her party was a hit (thanks to lots of help from daddy and grandpa).

this year the party was at a ballet studio. her former ballet teacher taught them a dance and played ballet related games with them. it was adorable. i loved seeing e interact with all of her favorite friends. and of course there was cake and presents, decorations and party favors. it wasn't my most creative party plan, but with a three week old baby in the house at the time of the party, it was just what the party girl needed.

you'll also have to take my word for the fact that her second "party" (a lunch date to american girl cafe with her bff) was also adorable. i have pretty much waited her whole life for her to turn 5 and take her to american girl. we had such a nice time together- e and payton, momma and payton's momma (and a very quiet penelope who slept the whole time). i will remember it forever and always smile as i recall the quote of the day: "this is the best day of my whole life". said by both girls at various points of the lunch.

we started a new tradition yesterday- courtesy of my sister and her ever so creative brain. when e woke up the morning, the entire family room/kitchen was decorated with pictures of her. she was so cute. she went through each picture and wanted to know the story behind it. i am in love with this new tradition and will be sure to continue it for all birthdays to follow. e felt so special and BIG because of the visual reminders of how little she used to be.

photos above:

1.) e and daddy opening her first birthday gifts- she is holding her first pair of shoes. i still have them and think back to those precious first steps that she took a few short weeks before turning one.

2.) ellie's bff, payton. isn't she the cutest little muffin?

3.) e and the proudest momma. i went a wee bit overboard for the first birthday... it seems to be a trend, but it was one fun party. if you can't tell the theme was ladybugs. my shirt says "momma bug" on the front and scott's said "daddy bug".

4.) and the last one speaks for itself. i guess that is the response you can expect when the momma bug buys a cake big enough for a wedding. e did not touch her first birhday cake. she ate one bite of ice cream and refused the rest- you'd never have guessed from her first exposure to sweets that she would be my lil sweet tooth today!