I have to admit, I have suffered quite a bit of "mom guilt" with Isabel's birthday parties in the past. When we first moved to Huntsville, the night of her birthday, we went out to dinner with two of our friends, no other children in sight. The following year, we had a backyard party where the adults far out weighed the kids (I think 3 other children attended.) Last year, we canceled her birthday party due to Abby's illness. Finally, this year, I can put all my mom guilt aside and rest assured she has had a proper childhood birthday party (with children!) This was the scene in our backyard yesterday:
They delivered it at 8 in the morning and she was out bouncing and sliding with the neighbors until 11;30. We made her come in and rest before the party started. Around 2 her guests started arriving and they pretty much stayed in the bounce house until cake time (note the pink, sweaty cheeks):
(Not pictured are Jacob, William and Ethan M.) Even Miss Abby had a good time, though she was confined to the walker in the patio most of the party:
After it was over, we laid in the hammock and Iz "told me a story about it" (her favorite phrase of late):
She had a great time. I did too, but each passing year makes me even more aware of how quickly she is growing up and how few years we have left where we will even get to attend the party. The cliche is completely true, they grow up way too fast.
Here is my annual look back at Izzy through the ages.
5 years old:
I love you big girl. You will always be "my baby" to me.
Looks like it was a great party! Now I feel guilty - I don't really plan on having a big party for Alex until he is in grade school!
Posted by: Jen | April 27, 2009 at 06:47 PM
Happy birthday! It's great to see the pictures from year to year. I love the 1st birthday one!
Love,
Aunt Mary
Posted by: Mary | April 28, 2009 at 12:25 AM