Isabel's 4th Birthday

Today was Isabel's 4th birthday and, as per what is becoming our family tradition, we began the birthday celebration at the breakfast table with Isabel's "life candles" lit and her opening of a couple of presents from family members near and far. 

Here are a few photos of our sweet, friendly and enthusiastic four year old opening gifts on her birthday!

Lukas was very supportive of his sister on her birthday.  Here he is reading her birthday card from Yiayia and Grandpa out loud to her.

On his own initiative, Lukas made a birthday card for Isabel.  Translation: "I love you and can't wait to see your big smile.  You are a princess. Love, Lukas"  The picture is of a castle being guarded by two knights.

She got a Snow White Cottage and Bunny/Forest Lego Set from Yiayia and Grandpa.  She followed the photo on the box to assemble the cottage and forest scene in her room right away.

Tante Steffi and Onkel Jochen gave her a Playmobil "Ponyhof" (pony riding school). After a little help from Papa to get it assembled, she and her brother have already spent a lot of time playing with it.

After school, Isabel got to finish opening her presents.  Here she is celebrating the sparkly red shoes that Thea Lesley and Uncle Derrick gave her.  She also got a "Snow White Tutu" (as she calls it) and a red shirt to got along with the shoes.  Shortly after opening the outfit, she insisted on "trying it on" and below is a photo of her modeling the new ensemble.

Our miniature "Snow White Ballerina"

Isabel loves gymnastics and so she was super excited to receive a couple of leotards, with matching shorts and a Connie DVD from Oma and Opa.

Isabel also decided to model one of her new gymnastic leotards.

We gave her a new bike, helmet and bike accessories--notice the color motif?! :-)

For her birthday dinner, Isabel requested macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets.  Here she is gleefully eating her special meal!