how to throw a princess party

My princess officially turned 5. We couldn't help but celebrate in style.We started the weekend by cutting her hair... :) She requested it... she was getting afraid that 'I might pee on it." (excuse her french) I have to admit that it might have been getting close. We think she looks about 100 years older. Still so beautiful.

 We debated what to do for her birthday for a long time. 5 seems like a big year. The 1st year you start school... a multiple of 5. We just love celebrating around here too, so it made sense to throw her a party. But Nate didn't have time off, our Saturdays were somewhat crazy so we had to opt for a weekday. For family night we had a little get together as a family on her real birthday. We got Little Caesar's Pizza, (which was pretty much the biggest hit, we rarely order out pizza.) and went to the park for a picnic. We flew kites played and just got to be together. We loved it all.

 Every time we drive by now we have to talk about how we got pizza there. Even Jeff brings it up.

 I love how Aria has her arms up high in every shot, as if by putting her arms up, it will help the kite fly. It was perfect kite flying weather.

 Jeff loves to climb.

 and he was more interested in exploring than in flying kites.

 However I have to say that on one particular occasion the kite came swooping down as it does sometimes when the wind is too strong and nearly nailed him in the head. missed him by inches. seriously.

 For her friends party we decided to do all girls so that we could totally maximize the princess party. I love all of her girlfriends and we were so glad that they all could come. It couldn't have been better.

This was made out of paper and lace, just sewed together, and Aria and Jeff both loved helping me make the garland behind the photo booth area for the party. I think Jeff might be the next Project Runway star.

 

Everybody got one picture in the photo booth. Except Jeff... I think he got 4 or 5. He just had to be part of the action all the time.

 

 It was about at this point where he started saying chair! Chair! over and over trying to get in on the action. Unfortunately I had a chair, but no space at the table. He wasn't interested in a chair that wasn't at the table. Poor guy.

Step 1: Have the guests come in, sign the guest list and make their way on in to start coloring their crowns. Made by the hubby. Some of them were very creative with their colors and some didn't want to color at all. It's so fun to see their little budding personalities just start to blossom.

Step 2: Play pin the crown on the princess.

This was Aria's choice. Nate's art. (On a side note did you know that he wanted to be an illustrator for Disney when he was a kid.) They even wrote the company to find out what they needed to do to get a foot in the door. It's nice having him around when there's kids around. Everyone is in awe when he starts drawing and talking like Mickey Mouse. :)

prize: Crowns, made like this (I just used old lace from my Grandma's stash)

Step 3: Read Princess and the Pea. I checked out about 6 different copies from the library and then picked the one I liked best. Then we used pillows and a key lime to find out who the real princesses were. They had to guess which pillow the lime was under. They loved this game. As you can see in their faces. 

Prize: fashion rings.

Step 4:Next we decided to be like Jasmine and go sifting through sand to find the jewels. They each picked one out of the sand and then we made a necklace out of them. They got to string pony beads onto their necklaces. 

 Then we tied our necklaces on and it turned into a dance party. 

Step 4: I turned on princess pandora station and they danced the night away. However when I said midnight. They all had to freeze. I didn't make anyone sit out, because what's the fun in that?

This video will just make your day. You can watch it over and over and never get bored.

Step 5: As you saw in the video cake and ice cream!!! Singing is also a must

Step 6: Open presents. Girls got a bracelet when they gave her a present. 

Step 7: Photobooth time.

 

I think it's so awesome! haha.

 And of course I couldn't miss out on my opportunity to get dressed up. :)

I think they had a wonderful time!!!

Step 8: Send them home with their very own magic butterfly fairy wand so that they can turn themselves back into a princess any old time they want. Or they can just eat a cookie too. :)

 I think it was a huge success. We love you Aria!