the royal teaparty.

I realized when I was preparing images for this post that I never posted a shot of Sarah's birthday invite. I accidentally deleted the actual invitation from my hard drive but here's the image I used on the front...

The tagline said, "Nobody likes a pouty princess...So don't even think about missing my party!"

Anyway, it was a royal tea party and all the children were invited to dress up. I was really hoping to make the day special for all of the guests...not just for the birthday girl. When Sarah's first little friend bounded up to the door dressed in pink from head to toe with a HUGE grin on her face I knew it would be!

My dad and stepmom arrived on Thursday and were a huge help getting everything ready. Before Thursday evening I hadn't done a thing besides a quick trip to the Dollar Tree for goodies. After the kids went to bed Friday night we had a blast working in the kitchen on all the food, treat bags, cupcakes and tidbits. Well, *I* had a blast...I guess I shouldn't speak for everyone else! ;)

First, the table...

We had tea sandwiches (peanut butter/honey and nutella/banana), dipped pretzels, cupcakes, candy, and cookies. For the record I did buy cherry tomatoes but I forgot to put them out. At least I thought about offering a healthy alternative, right?

I loved having the chance to use some of my grandmother's milk glass. I'm addicted to it and pull it out every chance I have. I found the princess placemats at the Dollar Tree and bought enough to send one home with every child...even our two knights in shining armor.

I had waaaay too much fun rolling these cupcakes.

Does anyone else remember these frosting-dipped circus cookies with sprinkles? I saw a bag at the commissary and practically squealed with glee. They were a staple at my grama's house growing up. My mom says she remembers them from her childhood too but that they looked more like animals and had better sprinkles back then. I mean way back then. =)

SEE! I told you we had knights!

Forgive the group shot. I was in mom mode, not photog mode. But they're still stinkin' cute, wouldn't you say?

The gift opening was a hit, of course. Art supplies were the gift of the day and Sarah couldn't have been happier about that. The girl LOVES her some paint.

We made wands for party favors. We being my stepmom. We were fabulous at it. Thanks we.

They were a hit too.

Have you noticed how all the little girls wore crowns? Sarah had a special "birthday girl" crown but she would have nothing to do with it. I thought when all her friends arrived donning their own she would change her mind but apparently peer pressure has no hold on her yet.

After the hoopla was over I asked Sarah in a quiet moment what her favorite part of the day was. I didn't really need to ask. I already knew: eating cupcakes.

And finally, the aftermath.

Thank goodness we had another set of grandparents to help with clean up duty!

The only thing missing from our perfect day was a visit from Aunt MayMay and Charlotte. My sister has been planning on coming for months but she got bumped from her standby flight and they didn't make it. Don't worry though Meghan, we ate enough cupcakes for both of you!