Katie's 3rd Birthday Party!

We had a princess themed 3rd birthday party for our little princess.

We held it at our home and had lots of friends and family come.  She had a castle bounce house that was a total hit along with a bubble machine, face painting and tattoo station and loads of balloons!

If you ask Katie what she had at her party she will say "Strawberries, balloons and cupcakes."  In reality we had the following comprise the menu:  her favorite, meatballs served two ways, a sweet and spicy meatball and meatballs with marinara sauce; chicken nuggets, pasta salad, garlic bread; salad with different dressings; a cheese and meat tray,  strawberries and red grapes, pink gold fish, Swedish fish, pink lemonade, juice boxes, water, beer and for dessert we had two kinds of homemade cupcakes; vanilla cupcake with vanilla butter creme frosting or strawberry butter cream frosting. (Can you tell we stuck to a pink theme with the food?!)

It was my first time planning a birthday party that involved more than just family and it was my first time planning a party outside.  I didn't even take into consideration the weather for that day.  We went weeks with out rain and in the days leading up to her party rain was looking more likely.  It rained in the morning but cleared up by 11 for her party at 4.  It was great weather, but a little cooler than normal and more windy.  I always underestimate the amount of work it takes to have a party.  It was hard work but so so worth it.

We were lucky our babysitter could help set up and do the face painting, watch the kids and untangle the balloons.  She also cleaned up everything.  It was our best idea ever to have her help at the party!!!!

Thanks so much for coming everyone and making her party so special!

Letting the cheese come to room temp.

The cousins were in charge of making balloons.

Friend Clara Jane, aka Rapunzel being specific about her face painting.

Set up part 1.

Set up part 2.

The food spread.

She just wanted a little rainbow.

We can't believe she is 3.  I even dressed in pink and purple for her.

We are so proud of you Katie.

Cupcakes assembled.

Bring out the sweets.

Trying to light the candles.

Tree pose while we get ready to sing.

Yum.

She still looks so much like the baby pictures we took of her!

We had so much fun.  Photo bomb by Daddy in the back.

Hooray!  Most of the little girls at the party are in the picture.

See Katie almost break her neck in the photo right under Bryan's chin.  I just noticed this.  Good thing she didn't.

Hooray!

Papa came to her party with the bounce house! 

Mikey happily helped open her presents.

The ooga-chacka dance.  

We all recovered and had a yummy breakfast the next day.

This princess likes hot cocoa.  It was chilly!

Exhausted!