Birthday Party Extravaganza...

One thing I have learned in my three years of mothering, is that with each passing year, these stinkin' birthday parties get more and more involved.

I always tell myself that "next year, we will do something with just family," and then that time of the year rolls around and my simple plans are thrown out the window for an initial small gathering of friends which quickly turns into a party for the neighborhood.

Ok, so maybe its not that bad, but EK's third birthday this year was pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.

When I asked her what kind of birthday she wanted, my won't-even-step-outside-without-shoes-on" little princess responded, "a pink one." Of course you do.

Problem was, half her friends are boys. Hmmmm....

SO we compromised and had a pink party inflused with a little boyish charm.

This year, we had a dress-up theme, and boy was it fun.

We had Woody and Buzz Lightyear sightings.... Little China men...

Plenty of princesses...

And plenty of cuteness from this little fella...

And of course, the most beautiful princess at the ball, there to welcome all her best buddies...

We had a blast. We decorated princess castles (and safari jungles for those of the masculine variety), bounced in the bounce house (monitored by my lovely husband), got our hair fixed (aka spray painted blue for the boys), and got our pictures taken.

Of course we decorated cupcakes, sang Happy Birthday, and opened presents as well.

I love this shot. I am not even positive that EK knew what she had opened, so I quietly put some of her loot away for a rainy day...

Of course, Peyton was there, wishing her sister a very special birthday - dressed as a perfect ballerina.
Here is Ellie Kate getting her hair done. Remind me why she won't sit still like this for me? Oh yea, because I am her mom.

Peyton with her Mimi, decorating away - and obviously injecting way to much sugar into her system.

Overall, we had a great time. Missed being able to celebrate with some - like her Texas friends, our Missouri family, and even some close buddies here.

But this day just reminded me what true blessings God has surrounded Ben and I and our children with. Oh, and it reminded me that I have the cutest three year old princess on the planet...