Carleigh's 3rd Birthday - Presents

Believe it or not, it's one week later, and Carleigh still hasn't opened all of her birthday gifts.  When we got back to the house last Saturday evening after the party, Carleigh, with the help of Carter, began opening up her presents.  There were so many and of course, she wanted to open them up immediately and begin playing.  Her excitement was precious to watch.  She would open something and scream"Oh my gosh!" and "I love it!" and "It's just what I wanted!"  Everyone who came back to the house to watch got a kick out of it!

This year, she opened the presents herself with ease.

She welcomed Carter's assistance, but no one else's.

One of her favorite presents: the framed photo of Carter that was included in his gift to her.  She's been sleeping with it in bed all week and asked if we could take it with us to Mexico.

Parker enjoyed himself during this time, too, because he got to eat the wrapping paper unnoticed for minutes at a time.

Even though it was bedtime, she HAD to stay up and play with her toys.  It was her birthday, after all.  And, because of the special occasion, Carter played with her until nearly 10 o'clock.  Carleigh went to bed a happy girl!!!

Carleigh's 3rd Birthday - Saying Goodbye

The presents were put in the car ...

,,, good-bye hugs were exchanged ...

... and party favors were in hand.

It was time for everyone to go.

The girls received ring pops, princess candy, a princess tutu, magic wand, and tiara.

The boys favors' were ring pops, princess candy, and foam swords and shields.

Carleigh and her closest friends gave a last good bye to the castle and party. The party was over but the birthday memories were cemented forever!  Oh ya, and there were still presents to open!!!

A big thanks to my parents and in-laws for their help setting up and getting things ready.  I couldn't have pulled it all together without y'all.

Also I'd like to credit the following:

Megan Brown of Megan and Megan Photography (http://www.meganandmeganphotography.blogspot.com)

Pink Lemon Graphic Design (http://www.PLGraphicdesign.etsy.com)

Cathy's Cakes

Carleigh's 3rd Birthday - Food and Cake Time!

Carleigh's request 1 month before her party: a princess cake and balloons.  She kept reiterating this to me when I asked what she wanted for her birthday so I made sure to deliver!  We served pizza, chicken salad sandwiches, fruit and veggies prior to doing the cake and ice cream.  Carleigh loved her castle cake and cupcakes and thoroughly enjoyed the attention during the "Happy Birthday" song.  While she didn't like the cake or cupcakes (no surprise), she loved the icing and ice cream.  Parker had his first taste of cupcake and again, no surprise, he loved it! 

Carleigh's 3rd Birthday - Surprise Visitor

It was Carleigh's birthday and she could cry if she wanted to.  And she did.  Early awakening + no nap + birthday excitement = a tantrum or two.
 Gigi came to the rescue when Cinderella (aka Aunt Shay) came out as a special guest to the party. Even though it was Shay, Carleigh still wasn't sure about the character dress up and was scared.  Cinderella read a princess story to the kids and passed out light up balls.  She fielded tons of princess questions like a pro and eventually Carleigh warmed up to her during the Cinderella picture taking opportunity.

A princess for a princess! So appropriate!

Carleigh's 3rd Birthday - Gym Play

Ask the 19 kids there (not including babies) and aside from drinks because of thirst, they could have done without food and cake.  All they wanted to do was PLAY!  The allotted hour and 15 minutes of gym time was just not enough!  Which equals, at the end of the day, a super funtastic birthday!