Eliza's Doll

 

Eliza received a (hand-me-down) American Girl doll for Christmas. I remember getting my Kirsten doll when I'd already pretty much outgrown dolls--but I remember it being such a big deal to get a 'real' doll. It was a Christmas gift from my grandmother, who loved dolls. Bee would have been thrilled to see Eliza's response to the doll. I keep getting confirmation that they are kindred spirits and were/will be best friends in heaven. 

It was adorable to watch how much Liza Bee loves this doll. Eliza said the cutest thing later that day, after she'd had the doll for about eight hours. She said, "Now I finally know what it feels like to have my very own doll!" She named the doll Isabelle and still sleeps with her every night. When asked what she missed most about home when we were in Utah for two months, every time her answer was, "I miss Isabelle." I'd told her not to bring the doll because we'd only planned to be gone a couple weeks and there would be so many toys at Nana's house. I don't know if she'll listen to my advice ever again.

I get a kick out of this picture of the opposite teeth.

Nana helped her make doll clothes and I made her matching skirts.

And, just because it's so sweet, Eliza's real life doll, patient Henry.

Eliza's 6th Birthday

(And now she's 7--did I seriously never put these up??) Oh, Eliza at 6. Just look at that amazing hair! She was begging daily for a haircut and a few days after these pictures I relented and we chopped off her whole length. There's a picture somewhere in the black hole of digital storage. She is stunning with long curly and short bob and any style in between. She just is. She's a light and a sweetie from the inside out. 

Determination and Grit (a story of monkey bars)

This success has been a long time worked for. Last spring Eliza discovered the monkey bars and wanted so much to do them. She struggled and cried and stood at the edge of the platform and gave up and tried again. It was quite the drama. Finally, finally all her work paid off and something clicked--she was able to swing her body from bar to bar. She had blisters from the major effort the past weeks. They've transitioned into callouses now. She swings easily from bar to bar. The next thing is skipping a bar (but I think she needs to grow those arms just a bit longer first!). The ability to stick through something hard is one I hope all the children learn in our house before they grow up and enter the adult world.

Eliza Bee Becoming 5

Eliza began taking dance when we moved to CA. She had been waiting and waiting. She loves her classes and continues to dance around the house. Her first recital in June was pretty cute, all the little sparkles and tutus! She also got to do a special dance with her daddy. She adored being on stage. For weeks afterward all her drawing pictures were of dancers on stage with stage lights glowing.

I try to pull out the camera to do a portrait session for the kids near their birthday. So far Eliza has always and is still the most willing to have a fuss made about her! I wish I could have her confidence when she looks in the mirror or has a camera lens aimed at her. She is perfectly assured that she is beautiful and interesting and all that. And she is.

I haven't the heart to cut her hair yet. She's had a trim or two here and there but I know as soon as we cut off her baby curls they won't be back. Liza Bee is a big kid, no question. She's still little in some ways and I'm in no hurry to grow her up.

She loves pretending to be a kitty cat, playing with (and bothering) her brothers, playing the piano, drawing her way through trees and trees of paper, making wildflower bouquets, and dressing up--either for the day or for make-believe.

Eliza's actual birthday was in Utah, when we were visiting family. We put together a tea party with lemon and chocolate cupcakes and attempted marshmallow wing bees on each one. It was fun to try, and maybe if you squint . . . ;) It was wonderful to celebrate our girl with so many loved ones (I have a picture but promised my sisters I wouldn't put it up on the internet!) and be spoiled by all the family.

Eliza's Rose Garden Tea Party (4 years!)

In the middle of the crazy of travel, last London things, visitors, and moving arrangements we got to celebrate this girl being with us on the earth for 4 years.  She makes the sun shine brighter and the stars glitter prettier.  She's such a delight (99% of the time). 

Despite London's unpredictable weather we were able to summon a beautiful day.  We packed up the double stroller with all the supplies necessary for a picnic in Queen Mary's Rose Garden.  Thankfully aunt Katy was visiting and willing to help with the mad idea to transport cupcakes and china! 

A place in the shade under the climbing roses, how heavenly.  Being with people we love, the best.

We had far more cake and cupcakes than we could (should) ever eat, so Eliza started delivering cupcakes to the people visiting the gardens.  Imagine a little sprite (with wings!) running up and handing you a cupcake!  The reactions of different people were highly entertaining.  I love that she and Eddy enjoyed giving--and the game of giving--so much.

I think she'll be having a tea time birthday party for as long as she'll let me do it for her, my little rose.