"Oh, this is what I always wanted!"
-Isla (said at almost every present)
Isla’s birthday was this week, James and Ashlyn teamed up to decorate when Isla was busy upstairs. It was actually pretty sweet to watch them take it so seriously, they really wanted her to wake up with a good surprise for her birthday.
Isla started off her birthday with a donut breakfast. This was followed by a scavenger hunt with clues and presents scattered all around the house as well as the yard. Ashlyn read the clues, Isla chose where to look next, and James gave hints when Isla got stuck. It was a lot of fun for Isla, even it it’s not a perfect replacement for a non-pandemic birthday.
We asked Isla if she wanted to try fishing at the pond and she enthusiastically said yes. We dug up some worms from the garden, got out the fishing gear, and headed out for an adventure. As it turned out, only one kid caught a fish and it just so happened to be the birthday girl. It wasn’t a large fish, but Isla didn’t care. She was happy which made the trip worth it.
A party wouldn’t be complete without a piñata. Later in the afternoon Grandma and Grandpa came by to give Isla presents and watch the kids use a stick to beat a cardboard donut filled with candy. Normally this would have been an event involving a line of kids, but since we couldn’t have a party the line was much shorter. Once the candy started coming out the kids didn’t seem to mind.
Isla will get a real party next year with friends from gym and the new friends she’ll make in kindergarten. Happy birthday Isla!