Crowns and Castles and Cake, Oh My!

On the 29th, we hosted a Princess Party for Maddie's birthday, and invited some of her friends. She was insanely excited about the party. The “princess” distinction was by request from the birthday girl.

The party decorations weren’t overly frilly and I wasn’t overly ambitious, but I had an idea for a “make a wand” craft that I’d been planning for a while. A week before her party, we thought we’d have a chance for a sunny day (gasp!) and we booked a bounce castle to be set up in the backyard. We told Maddie about the bounce castle only one day before her party when we were positive it would be great weather. She said something like, “oh, that will be so fun.”

On the day of her party, we also had a surprise visit from my Aunt Angie and Uncle Michael who happened to be in town. Although Maddie was seriously distracted and too energized to sit still or talk for more than a millisecond, Mason happily played with them while we set up for the guests. Thanks!!
Some of her friends came dressed in princess attire and we also had a Scooby-Doo and a caped crusader, er king. It was a lot of fun to see who would walk in the door next. Everyone had a choice of tiara or crown to wear for the party -- or as long as they kept it on their heads.

The kids were a great group and I think they even enjoyed the wand-making!

They started grabbing the glitter glue, so it was time for "hands on your head" while listening to the rest of the instructions!

While the wands dried, we herded everyone outside for bouncing and playing on the swing set.

Then it was cake time!

We assembled the kids on kiddie picnic tables and got them all sugared up!! I think I should mention that while we were getting the picnic tables set up, I handed one of the kids an entire bowl of M&Ms and said, “here y’all.” The bowl was empty about three minutes later!

Birthday girl insisted on blowing out all the candles by herself!

Kylie (Noah’s little sister) and Mason were right in the middle of all the other kids, although we have witnesses that say they spent some alone time in the tent set up in the living room. They are in the same room at daycare, so they are buddies.

Mason and Kylie closed down the cake table -- hehehe!

After cake, we managed to get everyone into the living room for Maddie to open her presents. I admit that I am not used to being ganged up on by kids, but that’s exactly what happened. Again, my Mom friends helped out and we got everyone seated on the floor. Phew!

Everyone wanted to see the birthday gifts -- the leotard must have been really interesting!

Maddie’s friends (er, their parents) sure knew what she liked. She got princess stuff, a toy dog, cupcake stickers and tutus, drawing sets and a princess mirror.

Thanks to the RuderSams for their help setting up. And to Robin and Amy for kid herding and craft supervision! What are friends for, right?

As the kids and their parents trickled out and it got dark, I had a genius idea.
Me: “Frank, is the bounce house still set up?”
Frank: “NO”
Me: “Can we blow it up?”
Frank: “I guess so."

Quick as winks, Amy, Robin and I were running outside in our socks and blowing up the bounce house. Hey, we only had 10 minutes until the guy came to take it home. We had to play fast!! We told the kids it was Moms only in the bounce house – no kids allowed. It was so fun and funny. I think we might have pulled some muscles and yes, I am a kid at heart, but that’s what birthday parties are for, right??

The Dads thought we were nutty and were able to hold the kids inside for about five minutes before the bounce house was invaded by wee ones.

Fast forward to 9:30 p.m. The house is quiet except for Maddie. It took her HOURS to go to sleep. You’d think she had a bowl of M&Ms or something!

Some random photos below.

Stella Dot and Maddie pre-party. Wait, where are the tiaras?? That explains these faces!

Mason loved the bounce house -- I don't think he was bonked but a few times (smile).

Wands drying while kids are playing.

Maddie and Noah chasing a runaway princess.

Stella Dot sneaking in some soccer practice.

Mason explains the virtues of juice boxes to Salem.
This was his first juice -- ever! He downed it like a pro.

My boy is such a ladies' man, but he's only got eyes for the cake.

Noah was quite the wand decorator. Maddie and I made him a crown to complete the look.

Royal buddies. Robin and I were having flashbacks to tent time during their first ever playdate in Sept. 2008.

The next day, we just relaxed. We went to our favorite park, Yates Mill Pond, and strolled in the sunshine. I think we all needed to throw a few rocks in the water and feel the leaves crunch under our feet! It was a great time.

My sweet pea. How did we make such a good-looking kid??

Frank and Mason shared some dude time.

All Maddie could talk about was throwing rocks in the water.
We finally found the perfect spot -- no turtles or ducks around!!

So glad they both love the outdoors like we do. It was the first time Mason walked this much at the park -- it's a loop around the pond. He loved keeping up with big sis.