And the Celebrating Begins...

We officially kicked off Issa's birthday celebration this weekend! First, I got to take this cuteness shopping:

 We headed to the craft store to pick up the last of the supplies for Issa's party with her friends. We are going to be hosting one way cool tea party in a few weeks, and Issa can hardly wait!

Friday, Nana, Papa Rich, and Aunt Shannon rolled into town for the first party, though. I am so grateful that they asked to make the trip, and I am even more grateful that we had a relaxing, fun weekend together celebrating our girl.

Issa requested a Fancy Nancy party, and Nana and Issa created a fabulous cake:

 Nana did most of the work, but Issa did help with the border:

 With the cake finished, we headed to Issa's favorite restaurant to celebrate:

 She wanted them to know it was her birthday, but she was not so sure about the loud singing. So...our waiter just brought her a sundae and our family sang three different versions of Happy Birthday. It's just how we roll.

We came home and our little fashionista was spoiled rotten. Even though Uncle Jeff wasn't feeling well, he texted with our girl and sent a special shirt:

 She is wearing it today. I love that these two share that ridiculous game.

The birthday hero was Aunt Shannon:

 She found white bunny slippers. That sounds easy, but they are so hard to find in Issa's size! I am so glad I captured this moment. I get teary every time I see it.

We also had to be appropriately fancy for a Fancy Nancy party:

 Issa made these bracelets with Aunt Shannon thanks to a kit sent by Uncle Nick and Aunt Beth.

And cake required a wardrobe change:

 Issa finally outgrew her Hello Kitty dress, and there was much gnashing of teeth. Nana and Papa replaced it with these pajamas and a new t-shirt. The pajamas go perfectly with bunny slippers--don't you think?

And then there was cake:

 I love that big smile. Make a wish:

 And yesterday she donned some of her new apparel and rocked it:

 I actually got teary as I folded the new clothes. She's just so big. Six. It seems like yesterday I was awaiting her arrival. Sniff.

Lest you think little brother was forgotten, check out the cool jacket Aunt Shannon brought:

Yep...he gets to be a fireman every day this fall. He thinks he's pretty hot stuff.

With all of the celebrating, there was plenty of time to just be. We played games, read books, and laughed until we cried. It was a wonderful beginning to a month of celebrating a very big sixth birthday!