My Tiny Dancer

Isla had her first dance recital at the end of May. She was so confident and happy and she made us very proud. 

Here's the video - you can hear Isla's biggest fan in the background :)

flowers from Grampy

And here's a photo of our littlest one - she fancies herself a comedian.

Isla's Drawing for one of her Best Friends

Ordinary Life

"Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life." -brian andreas

Drawing together.

Couch cushion fort.

Isabelle's 1st Birthday!

One! Already. As I write this I am sitting here watching Isabelle paint with water on the chalkboard easel. She has been an adventure, so determined, so fiery, so sweet. She definitely has a passionate personality. And she seems to be a bit of a comedian.

She wasn't incredibly thrilled at first...

but calmed down after that first taste of sweetness.

Isla's 4th Birthday

December - March around here is full of birthdays! My children and all of Isla's playmates were born during these months and I'm pretty sure we've averaged one birthday party every other weekend these past few months. (sidenote: this is a great and hilarious blog to read regarding bday party expectations these days - http://deadspin.com/down-with-big-birthday-1502731122) 

The most important of all these celebrations though were my sweet girl's of course ;)


So, Isla turned 4 on February 6th and I can scarcely see a hint of baby left in her.  It's as bittersweet as it is fun to watch her growing up. She is precocious and funny and imaginative and so sweet. 

We have a birthday breakfast tradition. She started her 4th birthday with pancakes & sprinkles.

She loves pirates and princesses and fairies, so we went with a pirate birthday party, treasure hunt included.

Treasure hunt in action. James did a great job leading the charge.

Opening presents with her cousins, Emmory, Riley & Helen.

For her birthday we bought her a "big girl bike" which she rides like a champ.

More Fun in the Snow

Snow Day in the South

Isla has been asking to play in the snow since watching all of the snow filled Christmas movies this past season. Yesterday, she was VERY excited her wish came true. Isabelle remained stoic on the subject.

Since taking these photos, we received a few more inches. And today, it is still piled up so I'm sure we will get our boots in the snow again.