Cooking Party

Since our little Boo Chef is so into cooking, and Auntie Karen got her a cookbook for Christmas I thought it would be perfect to have a cooking party for her birthday! 

I tried to talk her into having it on the weekend, but she said, “Mama, we just HAVE to have my party on my birthday or it won’t be my birthday party!”  So I figured whether it was a Sunday night or Monday didn’t matter too much since we planned for it to be done by 7:30.

She ended up having 9 friends come (one was sick).  I had bought chef hats and aprons online and then borrowed some fabric and heat n’ bond from Noni so I could put each child’s initial on the apron.  They turned out pretty cute.

I figured I’d better get a picture at the beginning while they were still clean! :)

We split into groups.  Pizza was first for Boo.  I just bought some pre-made crusts and had bowls of toppings for them to choose from.  They had a great time designing their personal pizzas!

Fruit salad was the other station.  They each got to cut up bananas and strawberries, and then add grapes and blueberries.

I was pleasantly surprised by how well everyone did!  Even the littlest ones were really into it and did a great job!

I loved how unique their pizzas turned out.  One little girl did a happy face on hers. :)

We let them go play while the pizzas cooked and then they sat down to try their creations.  I was surprised with how well they ate!  Usually at parties they sit for 2.5 minutes and then dash off again, but they sat there for a long time and ate up.  Maybe because they had made it themselves?

Boo Bear was SOO happy and said, “It’s my best birthday EVER!”

I was really glad she had such a good time because I have observed that at most parties the birthday kid gets overwhelmed and doesn’t have as much fun as their friends.  Not this time.  I think she had more fun than anyone!

We got pictures of some of the littlest guests.  So cute!

After they were finished eating I brought them each a cupcake and then let them choose their frosting color.  I squirted some frosting on their cupcake and let them spread it out.  Then I went around and put sprinkles on their plates and let them decorate their cupcakes.

Once everyone had one we brought out the big cake.  Happy Birthday to you…

Make a wish!

Happy purple and blue smiles!

Noni kept Peanut occupied during most of the party so I could help the kiddos (thanks Noni!). 

She got to eat a cupcake even though she barely touched her pizza. 

After dinner the kids ran off to play upstairs and I found Papa and the birthday girl dancing in the living room. :)

Pictures with the birthday girl!

We called them all back down again to open presents.

She got so many fun things!

A kite, books, stuffed animals, a Gigi movie, a craft tub, an Aquadoodle, mini Princesses, a Barbie, dance stuff, a sticker set, and a bunch more I am probably missing.  She was opening so fast I wasn’t able to write things down. 

Peanut confiscated a bag.  She thought she was pretty funny. :)

Birthday money from Pawpaw and Nana!  Looks like a trip to Target is in our future!

Daddy had recently found a Rapunzel Lego tower!  I don’t think they are excited about it…

What a fun party!  The birthday girl had a blast and fun was had by all.

And now we have a big grown-up 4 year old girl!

Thanks for all the wonderful presents everyone!!!

Four!

On Monday Boo woke up to a balloon shower and Bug and I singing Happy Birthday.  I had seen this idea on Pinterest so Buggy and I made it after she went to sleep Sunday night.  She was actually pretty grumpy when she first woke up…I guess she’s as much of a morning person as I am. :) But after a few minutes she got happy.  Grandma called to sing Happy Birthday too, and she loved that!

She actually wasn’t feeling that great, but after watching a video on my tablet she perked up.  She didn’t have any fever so we kept our original plans which was lunch of her choice, McDonalds.  I can’t remember the last time we had been to McDonald’s so I guess she’d been missing it.

We went and picked up Mama so she could come with us, and Noni met us there after she was done at school.

Buggy really wanted a picture alone with the birthday girl.  I love her expression.  So proud/protective of her little sister.

The girls ate quickly and then ran off to play with new friends.

This is one of Daddy’s busiest times at work so he wasn’t going to be able to come to the birthday lunch, but he took K to work with him for a few hours on Saturday morning.

I didn’t realize that he was making it possible to surprise Boo by coming to her birthday lunch!  On the way there she sadly asked, “Daddy can’t come to my birthday party?” I tried to explain that lunch wasn’t her party, and he would be there for the party that evening so when he walked in all three of them screamed, “DADDY!” or in Peanut’s case, “DA-DA!”

He even bought them ice cream. :)

Peanut discovered that she could get into this little space and was SO excited.  She kept crawling in and out and then squealing and knocking on the mesh with her little fist.

I wanted a picture with the birthday girl too! :)

Noni and Mama took Peanut home for a nap and Bug, Boo, and I ran to Walmart to pick up the last of the groceries for her birthday party.

Here she is in her party dress.  I let her open it that morning so she could wear it all day.  She still LOVES to dress up and wear fancy dresses all the time.

We went home and made her cake and cupcakes, and then Bug and Boo relaxed on the couch and watched Boo’s favorite show, Daniel until it was time for the party.

Pictures from that tomorrow!

Wordless Wednesday

P.S. Happy Birthday Auntie Nae!

Family Party

On Saturday Uncle B and Auntie M had some stuff to bring us so we invited the whole clan over for a family celebration.  The girls were SO excited that their cousins were coming to their house since we usually only see them at Grandma and Grandpa’s.

I had to go around and get pictures.  Cousin S and Bug.

The boys.

And Boo and Peanut.

We had lunch together and then hung out all afternoon just laughing and talking and catching up.

After Peanut woke up from her nap we let Boo open their presents.

She got a beautiful hand-made Barbie dress and cape from Grandma and Auntie Nae.  Sparkly shoes and a hand-made apron from Grandma and Grandpa, Purple/Rapunzel tennis shoes from Uncle B and family, and we let her open K’s presents.

Here is the Barbie dress.  It is gorgeous!

She wanted Waylon to help her open K’s present.

Roller skates!

Yes, they are a little dangerous but we’re hoping this will help her get a sense of balance. :)

Auntie M helped her get around the kitchen.

And after a few spills we quickly implemented a “Carpet only” rule until she gets the hang of it.

After presents we did dinner and brownies with ice cream. 

She was so happy when we sang Happy Birthday to her.

Blowing out the candle.

Yay!

Thanks so much for coming everyone!  We had a great time!