Through the Eyes of Izzy

Today Mommy and I went to Grandma's school to help her set up her classroom.  We helped her unload a cabinet and move furniture.  Then Grandma took us to lunch.  I requested Chinese at the Navy Exchange food court Grandma's room is starting to look better. I like sitting in the big chair. We put the desks out in groups and I rolled the supply towers into position.   Grandma has lots of books in her classroom. The round table is for her students to work in small groups on projects or they can move over here to work. I think the room is almost ready for students. I wonder what my third grade classroom is going to look like?

The big day finally arrived.  I was baptized on Sunday evening! Mommy and Daddy are proud of me for making the decision to be baptized.  Abby said the opening prayer, Papa gave a talk on baptism, Daddy baptized me, then Daddy gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Papa confirmed me a member of the church, Sister Bataglia, the Primary President welcomed me and gave me a poster of My Gospel Standards.  The Bishop welcomed me as the newest member of the ward and gave me an official certificate and a beautiful picture of the temple that Brother Borgholthaus had taken.  Grandma Lori gave the closing prayer.  Lots of family members and friends were able to come.  Grandma Lori made the program for my baptism.  Grandma Mitchell made cookies too.  It was a great day!

Saturday I went fishing with Daddy and JT. I caught the first fish. I caught a second fish too! We had a fun time fishing. 

I was so excited to get my American Girl Doll! Aunt Sarah, Abby, and Ellie all helped me unpack the box.  Aunt Sarah is so fun!  She told me that she had already opened my doll, played with her and put everything back in the box. I didn't believe it.  Did you know Aunt Sarah has an American Girl Doll too?  She has Molly.  She told me the reason she picked Molly was because she had glasses.  Aunt Sarah didn't wear glasses at the time, but wanted them - isn't that a fun story about her? I love my Aunt Sarah! Abby and I posing for a picture with my new doll. Check out her glasses! Purple frames just like me!

    Sunday after church, we went over to Grandma and Papa Mitchell's house. We were having my family birthday dinner. I asked Grandma for Lasagna and Chocolate Lasagna. Grandma says I'm looking so grown up these days.   On Tuesday we went to Panera for lunch, then to Target for Back to School supply shopping. I went back to Grandma's house so I could play with Abby and Ellie. Guess what? My American Girl Doll arrived!  Last week Grandma and Papa told me they were getting me an American Girl doll and I got to pick out the hair and eye color and also some outfits.  She has glasses like me and earrings.  I have named her Isabella.  So we are Isabelle and Isabella. Here's a photo of me with my school supplies.  I am excited to be starting third grade!

Mommy and Daddy planned my birthday party and my friends came over for a fun water themed birthday party.  Water balloons, water guns, fun times. This year, Grandma Lori had a balloon lady come and make balloon creations for us.  Here I am. Grace was an elephant Summer the cheetah Mermaid hat Maggie the penguin headed zebra Daddy had an alien invasion hat. We had a fun day!

Wow! Can you believe it?  I am eight years old! My actual birthday was kind of quiet.  We went over to Grandma and Papa's house.  Papa is still recovering from his knee replacement surgery.  Aunt Sarah, Abby, and Ellie came up and we had fun playing.  Aunt Sarah was going to take my eight year old pictures, but I'm sunburned, so we will try again next week.  I posed for my unofficial eight year old photo by Grandma.  Mommy and Daddy have planned a birthday party with my friends for Saturday.  Then on Sunday, we are going to have my family party.  I asked Grandma to make Lasagna for my birthday meal and Chocolate Lasagna for dessert.  Yummy!

Yesterday Mommy, Daddy and I drove to Indiana to visit Aunt Susie and Uncle Scott.  This is our third annual vacation to Lamb Lake.  I love spending the week with Uncle Scott and Aunt Susie!  We go to the beach, swim, boat, go tubing, and lots of other fun things.  I love going on this vacation with my Mommy and Daddy.  This morning it was a little chilly.  Don't you love my "muscles"?  I'll try to post more pictures later.

I am taking swimming lessons now.  We go on Saturday mornings at the local community college - CSM, the College of Southern Maryland.  Mommy, Aunt Sarah, and Grandma Lori all graduated from this college and Uncle Tony is going there now. I am the only girl in my class. The boys in the class are kind of annoying.  Some of them splash me when it is my turn to work with the teacher. I am getting more comfortable in the pool and learning new things. Mommy and Daddy are very happy with my progress and the fact that I sit and listen when the others in my class don't . Today Grandma and Papa stopped by to watch me swim.  I was so surprised to see them.  Of course, Grandma took a lot of pictures.  I don't mind though.  I even stopped to pose for her on my way out after class. 

Christmas morning at Grandma's house.  As Uncle Tony handed me this package, he dropped it and then it rattled and he said he broke it. It was Legos! My Uncle Tony is so silly. Yes! I got the chopsticks I wanted! Abby and I took turns opening gifts and Ellie was taking a nap. Abby got the Princess Barbies she wanted.  She was so surprised.   Grandma Lori made hats for Abby and me! Then the part I had been waiting for . . . I had a big surprise for Abby! I gave her my Powerwheel.  I'm getting too big for it and she loves riding it when she comes to my house.    She was happy! She took me for a ride. Oops! I think more driving practice will help.  Abby was really good at the driving by the end of the day.  Ellie woke up from her nap and opened her presents.    Mommy made these Easter decorations for Grandma and Aunt Sarah. Grandma's is the blue one and Aunt Sarah's is the pink one.