Princess Party and Family Party

For Taylor's birthday this year, she wanted to have a princess party. Having resisted the "princess thing" for many months, I finally threw in the towel. I have years of cars, dinosaurs, and ninjas ahead, so I am allowing myself (and Taylor) to embrace the princess phase.

Taylor invited friends to her party from church, dance, school, and the neighborhood. We wrote in the invitation for everyone to wear their favorite princess dress. We bought decorations and attempted to turn our dining room into a "castle" for T's party. I hope I never forget how excited Taylor was as we decorated in the days leading up to her party. It was so sweet and innocent - this little girl really believed she was going to be a princess!

I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Decorating for the big event. Taylor loved taping streamers to the wall.

All dolled up as Rapunzel.

My beautiful girl.

Ready for the festivities to begin!

Rapunzel's braid and lanterns in the hallway.

Princesses galore!

Hailey, Ella, Taylor, Aubrey, Lauren, Amelie, and Ashlyn

Gift time - Taylor opened all of her gifts in less than 5 minutes. Thank goodness Tommy taped the craziness so I could go back to see who gave Taylor each present.

During the party, Pop Pop and Baba had some fun with Matty. Here he is wearing his grandma's reading glasses, and he kind of liked it!

The next day (her actual birthday), Taylor, me, Mimi, and Grandma went out for manis and pedis. It is safe to say I've created a monster.

More cake, more presents, pretty fingernails.

Taylor received a jewelry box from Mimi and Baba. She absolutely loved it.

Baba and Pop Pop - always the jokesters.



At the end of the day, we all went out to our local Mexican restaurant for dinner (it is probably no coincidence that this is Taylor's favorite restaurant because we have been eating there regularly since she was six months old). The wait staff brought out a sombrero and sang Happy Birthday to her - this picture captures her reaction. She was over-stimulated and over-tired by this point.

Happy 4th Birthday, Miss T! We love you!