Little Mermaid Birthday Party

Ella Turned 4 and naturally we had a birthday party with over 30 kids all younger than 3rd grade and a real life mermaid. I didn't do any planning for this party seeing as we have another family of 6 living with us (true story), and didn't take the time to figure it out. James lined up the princess to come, and I literally text people to come over the day before. The day before the party I loaded up half of the kids and let Ella and Brezlyn (one of the little girl's living with us) come up with what they wanted for the party. I think it turned out pretty adorable!

The cupcakes turned out perfect! They required so little work as well!

I made these clams with vanilla wafers and the leftover frosting from the cake.

Per Ella's request I had fruit, always fruit.

These are freezable "ice cubes" I found at Wal Mart. Perfect touch for our blue punch!

Ariel is one of James' former students (which made us feel super old!). Her voice was amazing and she was absolutely awesome with the kids. Simply adorable to watch the girls interact with her!

I bribed Josiah to ask her if she had a boyfriend, apparently she's already married to a prince. The boys all acted hilariously uncomfortable. There was even some punching of each other over the glances she gave them.

Of course I went overboard (see what I did there??) and bought this second hand Barbie Princess extravaganza for her gift. The awesome thing about it is that this was just over 1/2 of what was included and I am hoarding the rest until Christmas. She's not spoiled at all....

Just look at her....I mean good grief......I love her.

Happy Birthday sweetie.

:: 4 Years Old ::

:::: Happy Birthday Micah ::::

I can't believe you are 4 today…look how stinking cute you were as a baby…

argh…I want to eat you up!

And look how handsome you have become now. 

Just imagine what a handsome man you will make.

 I am so proud of who you are becoming. 

You are strong (it was a rough year with all of your asthma woes, but you were so brave)

You are protective.

You are snuggly and loving.

You are goofy, there is no better way to say that.

Lets celebrate with these for breakfast.

Even though you could care less that today is your birthday.

You are so silly in that aspect…but that's what makes you, YOU.

I love you Micah. 

I can't imagine loving you more, but it's impossible to limit my love for you.

It's been growing since the first time I laid my eyes on you.

P.S.

I just had to do a side to side to show you how much we looked alike.

{Not gonna lie…that makes my heart happy}

First Sleepover

It's tradition in our home to have whatever you want for your birthday dinner. 3 years in a row Josiah has chosen Lucky Charms. This year was a real treat….chocolate Lucky Charms. YUM

I always throw birthday parities for Josiah. Big ones. Too big.

I wanted to do something smaller this year. My solution: A sleepover.

I know. Crazy, right?

I have to say….it was so much fun!

5 boys; ages 5 to 3. One little lady. 17 hours of party. Chaos. Popcorn. Pizza. Treats.

Park Playtime (best idea ever).

 The Birthday boy was dying of excitement the entire night.

They all ended up shirtless, why does this always happen at my house.
Yes…even Ella got in on that action (cool your jets girl).

James brought home a parachute and set it up in the playroom. Instant fort.
They all fell asleep by 10:15pm. I was pretty impressed.

The morning after. Looking a bit more docile.
The funniest part of the party was that they were dying to change their clothes together. They were so excited to get in the pajamas, and then more excited to get into their clothes the next morning.

And I finally had a reason to make these birthday cake pancakes. To.Die.For.

It was so much fun.
And I loved being able to be the "cool parents".
Who am I kidding…James is always a cool parent.

Ella's Shabby Chic Party

Ella's 1st birthday came and went.

I only cried the night before her birthday wasn't a total mess.

I couldn't help myself with the pearls and the lace romper. Can you blame me?

I decided to go with a sort of "Shabby Chic" theme. 

I thought that this is one of the only chances I have to pick the theme so I'm going with frills!

I dipped marshmellows in vanilla candy coating that I dyed pink and lined a tray with powdered donuts.

I also served sliders (best party food ever), pasta salad, chips, and watermelon; but I wasn't able to get a photo.

I mean seriously….how the heck do I get a nice photo of food before people start digging in? 

It's impossible in this house!

Can you believe this cake?!?
My mom is a cake genius.
It was gorgeous and delicious with a homemade pink lemonade cake with lemon buttercream.
YUM!

I made her little cake topper with a couple of candy sticks left over from the marshmallows and bakers twine.
I also served sliders (best party food ever), pasta salad, chips, and watermelon; but I wasn't able to get a photo.
I mean seriously….how the heck do I get a nice photo of food before people start digging in?
It's impossible in this house!

I made that frilly banner out of crepe paper and tulle. Easy and adorable!

Can you get enough of my little niece in her peacock costume?!?!

I made these flower topiaries out of crepe paper. They are now in Ella's room.

I finally had a good reason to use my twine wrapped bottles! They made for perfect outdoor table decor!

I can't get enough of these cousins!

 What's a party without a few superheros {that's my Josiah!}.

Princess even had her own ruffle cake. {Spoiled much?}

 Ella even enjoyed not one, but two marshmallow pops!

I have to say thanks to my amazing husband and sister.
They helped me tirelessly clean, cook, and assemble for her party.
We had nearly 40 people including nearly 20 kids here.
{No…it wasn't insane…why do you ask?}
I seriously could not have done it without them.

The best thing about a birthday party is knowing how much my kids are loved. We are at no shortage for people who have invested in our lives.

We couldn't be more blessed.