Q turns 3!

Last Saturday was Q's much anticipated third birthday. J decided on a Storybook themed part.

Preparations began Friday night. Once the moon was settled in we set up floating lanterns in the pool. Q was disappointed they didn't float in the air (like in the movie Tangled), but lil' J was all over them. When an unfortunate manmade gust of air (thank you brother-in-law with the leaf blower) blew most of them over lil'J was distraught.The lights did look lovely for being thrown together with printer paper, tape, and disposable plates.Q was also an enthusiastic blower-out of all the candles when we were pulling them out of the pool.

Saturday was charming. And all the little guests were adorable in their costumes. I had been envisioning a 'too much birthday' situation all week, but Q held it together fairly well...at least until all the guests had left.

Let me describe the different areas J set up in the back yard.

Exhibit A:

There was a butterfly garden/art area.

A table was set up with paper and supplies, once masterpieces were finished they were hung in the gallery.

Exhibit B:

She built a cardboard castle, complete with a functional drawbridge.

Exhibit C:

An alligator pond. Lil'J thought the alligator was about the best thing ever. He couldn't stop talking about it all morning.

Exhibit D:

A castle shaped bounce house (gift of the in-laws): 

There was also a lovely mermaid cove (which I neglected to take a photo of) where treasures were buried in the sand to be uncovered by little hands.

Playing in the sand is the only way I got these two to hold still long enough to take a photo. 

Eating lunch in her castle.

Q needed a little help with those candles.

Chocolate on her face, dirt on her feet.

Wasn't all peaches and cream. Sometimes even the princess can't get everything she wants.

Lil'J handled Q getting the attention like a champ.

This is how it ended, Q streaking from the house screaming hysterically for her princess dolls. Completely inconsolable over having to take a bath and a nap, while we all laughed.