Birthday Party

For several reasons we decided to have Ellie's birthday party a week early. Being 8.5 months pregnant and planning a three year old's birthday party is a little much. I spent most of the day cooking...well baking, I don't cook. I found this awesome recipe for potato soup on line at pillsbury.com. I modified it a bit. It was a crock pot recipe that I accelerated the cooking time. I was not sure how it would turn out, but it was amazing. I got so many compliments and people who wanted the recipe. So I have linked you up.

She woke up in an amazing mood. Here she is doing her "it's my birthday party dance."

Daddy was in charge of the helium tank pick up. He also brought home a surprise balloon.

Susan was so nice to bring Shelby up to help us get decorations and set up complete. Shelby's greatest accomplishment was to get Ellie to fall asleep and take a nap. SUCCESS. After she was sound asleep in her bed, Shelby and I headed to town to pick up the cakes.

The theme of her party was pink and blue.

Mom (who shares a birthday with Ellie) will turn 50 this year, so I had a cake made for her.

Earlier in the day Ellie asked me if we could get Big Minnie out of the closet so she could come to Ellie's birthday party. After I picked myself up off the ground from laughing I said sure.

Here was Ellie with Big Minnie last year. She looks so small.

Here is my little pink and blue princess waiting for her guest to arrive

Notice the tea lights-she refused for me to pick up candles and then decide right before we sang "Happy Birthday" that she wanted them. Tea lights were all I had.

Tasting the icing

Kasey helped her open all her gifts

Pinata time

Eme's turn to take a swing

Stashing the candy in her shirt

Play time with Shelby

Here she is ready for bed
(I think it was about midnight and pretty sure it
was before we set our clocks back)

She had such an amazing night. She was so excited, and she appreciated everyone who came out to celebrate with her on her special day. Mommy was DONE. I could not feel my legs, and baby made me know how she felt about my hard work all night. But I am glad that we got this opportunity to spend one last birthday with just Ellie.