So, I know it's been almost two months since Eleanor turned three but I thought some pictures of the big event would be fun and some people might find it interesting :)
Back in March I asked Eleanor what kind of birthday party she wanted. Without any hesitation she replied, "a princess party." Perhaps I should back up a little with this whole princess thing. I'm not really sure where she gets it. Neither Marshall nor I have encouraged this princess obsession and yet it came on full force this past year. For any who are concerned, while she may dress like a princess, she is still required to clean up after herself :) Back to the party...
Eleanor's birthday is May 24 (same as her Uncle John's). This is a pretty hectic time of year for both me and Marshall because it is right at the end of the semester. We decided to have the party on May 29. This would allow my family to come up from Dallas and still have a weekend (Memorial Day). We invited all of her family and some close friends. Over thirty people ended up at our little house!
Eleanor was very excited for her party. She was dressed in her royal attire as we began with a little craft. Each of the little girls got to make a princess hat while each of the boys decorated a shield (they were knights). It was fun watching them put stickers on their hats and then wear them around the house. After the hats, everyone went into the dining room where we had a pull-string pinata. At first the kids were not exactly sure what to do but they got the hang of it pretty quickly. Candy came pooring out and of course they all dove in to collect it. The cake was next.
I think I may have gotten myself into a little trouble with the whole birthday-cake thing. Right before Eleanor's first birthday my mother-in-law and sister-in-law and I took a cake decorating class. It was really fun and very interesting. However, now I have convinced myself that I must make and decorate each birthday cake. I have a feeling I am doomed by this but I must say I love being able to show Eleanor how much she means to me, even if it is in some little way.
Presents came shortly after the cake and then all the kids went outside to play on Eleanor's brand new swing set. Marshall, his dad, and our friend Flippo spent hours working on this and putting it together. It was totally worth it!
I think everyone had a great time. I just can't believe my little girl is three. I can remember bringing her home from the hospital, her first steps, her first words, her first birthday. She is growing up so fast and so beautifully. I am blessed beyond belief with her and my growing family. God is good!
