Stelly

She found this hat in the winter stuff that I was moving from the front closet to the basement. Doesn't matter that it was 96 degrees outside, she loves hats! Couldn't resist grabbing my camera...

Eva's 4th Birthday - A Royal Celebration

Just a few of my favorite pictures from Eva's 4th birthday party. I will definitely update this post with a little background information and more details from the day. She had a blast though...enjoy!

Fun party this year! We went with the princess/frog prince theme this year per Eva's request. We invited all of her friends over to celebrate with us. Lula, Emily, Evan, Katie, Hannah, Clara, Janie, Kyle, Hanne, Bodie, Phoebe, Foster, Elli, Greta, Jack, Stella, Mommy, Daddy, Mickey, Grandma and Grandpa Ward, Grandma and Grandpa Olson and Great Grandpa - aka Pop were all there.

The whole family helped prepare for the celebration. Grandpa and Grandpa O carved the watermelon crown, helped with the magic wands, and helped prepare food. Grandma Ward arranged flowers, decorated, brought the kiss the frog prince game to fruition, and served as the resident cosmetologist. Daddy, of course, made the fabulous dragon cake.

I had so much fun gathering all of the necessities that a princess would need and a few yucky froggy things for the boys too. If it had glitter on it, sparkled in any way or seemed at all magical, we had it...





The cake was impressive and tasted great too...best fondant and buttercream recipe to date (hint, hint - let's make those two keepers)


Table decorations and flower arrangements - Grandma Ward's expertise. I'm always amazed at what she can do with what we have available!



Grandma W. applying princess Eva's makeup in preparation for party time!


Eva had invited the girls to dress like princesses, the boys as knights, dragons or frogs and Stella, she told Stella she could be a fairy :)



My beautiful birthday girl waiting for guests to arrive...


The big surprise - a beautiful horse drawn carriage with Sleeping Beauty inside. All the girls had such joy and surprise on their faces. I just love that!


This is my favorite picture from the party. It isn't technically the best shot, but the moment, I never want to forget. The girls were asking princess Aurora some questions and she explained that she was in fact, a real princess. All three of the girls'jaws dropped in awe. I was able to get Eva's reaction in this shot.


Eva and Emily - her favorite princess dress up buddy from school!



Stella playing 'pin the kiss on the frog prince' Thanks Grandma W for drawing and creating the frog!


Princess Eva and Prince Kyle - They look like they are used to posing like this?!



Just taking it all in or taking a break after the pinata.


This cake rocks - great job Daddy!






Eva and her buddy Hanne...I think they had fun!