Birthday #4!

We've basically been celebrating Claire's birthday all month, y'all. Her party was on February 11 (her actual birthday is the 26th) and was a princess/dress-up party. She decided on that theme several months ago, so we pulled something together for her! I have a personal goal of spending very little but producing something very Claire-ish on her birthdays, so I worked out a plan...and I think Claire was pretty happy with it!

My parents- and sister!- came into town for the big event (my parents haven't missed a single birthday). They took Claire to the museum (and she got to ride the train!) and Chick-Fil-A, and Daddy even went with her to swimming lessons. Everybody watched Planes: Fire and Rescue (the current favorite), and a great time was had by all!

When I picked everyone up from the airport, we stopped for dinner at a favorite little middle eastern restaurant, and Lily refused to keep her socks on, even though it was quite cold. So, we stuck her legs down inside the arms of her coat. It totally worked for our purposes.

Riding the train at the museum. Such a treat!

It was pretty chilly.

Amiee and Lily always take great pictures together.

Mom, Dad, and Amiee were suuuuper helpful in the party process. We decorated (because Claire LOVES a decorated party), prepped breakfast-y/brunch-y food and cupcakes, got costumes together, and made a faux castle. We did nails, put on sparkly princess tattoos, played in the "castle," played with balloons, danced, and did a small "craft." I think everyone had a pretty good time! I had a sinus infection, so I was feeling pretty lousy and relied heavily on Amiee to entertain the princesses. Which she did. And they loved it! One of Claire's friend's mom told me she was certain that her daughter would be talking about "the princess at the party" for the rest of the day.

Amiee and Claire getting the party started (not pictured: my friend, Rachel, who jumped in and helped, as well. She doesn't have kids but is great with them!)

The princesses

Amiee looking all Duchess Kate

I love this one.

Birthday cupcakes! Mom even brought Publix icing (the BEST, and we can't get it here) on the plane with her from Alabama.

Waiting until she got the go-ahead to dig in.

Go time.

Our "castle." We have a myriad of pop-up play items, so we put them all together.

And, on the invitations, I said "no gifts, please"...to which everyone responded by bringing gifts. Claire has really kind friends. Mom and Dad gave Claire a super fun doctor kit that she (and Lily) have had a blast playing with! I hope it has been positive preparation for her upcoming 4-year-old check-up...

She decided to use/wear most of it at the same time. Seems efficient.

Claire and Nana

Poppy and the girls

Everyone looking at the camera!

For Claire's actual birthday, Bill and Barbara were able to come for a couple of days. Claire was so excited to get to see them! (so was Lily) We had Chick-Fil-A, ice cream, Mexican food, played outside, did puzzles, and watched a movie (Planes again, guys. It's realllly a favorite around here.) 

Post-church birthday pictures

Not our best family photo, but you work with what ya got, right?

My mom got this headband for Claire for her first birthday, and she's worn it every year since (her head was HUGE as a baby. Not even kidding.).

So many generous friends and family!

Brad's Aunt Sue sent this Sofia the First birthday card that had a punch-out crown. Perfect.

Lily was hungry. Thus her serious face.

Still hungry. She doesn't play games when it comes to getting her food.

Claire's puzzling interest and skill has grown a lot recently, so as part of her birthday gift, Bill and Barbara got her four 24-piece puzzles (2 are Planes themed and 2 are Finding Dory). She has been loving them! 

Thank you so much to everyone who made Claire's birthday month so wonderfully fun. We've all felt so loved, and Claire has felt so very celebrated. We're so grateful for our friends and family!