Princess Party

The last two weeks have been incredibly stressful for me. I got wrapped up in planning Ella's 5th birthday party. My perfectionist tendencies (which only seem to emerge during party planning) were in full swing. One of the biggest stress inducers for me was the ever growing RSVP list. Although I listed an RSVP deadline on the invite, there were plenty of people who RSVPed after the deadline already passed. There were 10 girls at Ella's party. That's no problem for me, I am able to smoothly handle a class full of 3 year olds on a daily basis. What really stressed me out was the parent factor. When 4 and 5-year-olds go to a party, their parents come too. There is no "dropping off" at this young of an age. So, it really is like having a double party - 10 kids and their 10 parents.

Of course the 10 kids and their parents need to be fed and entertained. Rapunzel could handle the girls. Whit did a great job mingling with the parents (maybe he likes to entertain ladies- a talent that I didn't know about!). The party came and went. I will never do another birthday here again. It doesn't save you money and I was more stressed out than on my wedding day!

Ella and I are dressed and ready for the party to start.



The girls all made glitter crowns and candy necklaces when they arrived. We set up a big, long table in the family room.


Craft table again.



Whit kept wanting to take my picture. Maybe he was shocked to see me in a dress.



This picture is very dark (need new camera!), but this is Rapunzel's arrival.



Rapunzel begins the face painting. Ella went first and wanted a rainbow.



The girls loved making their glitter crowns.




Ella and friends are playing hide-and-seek while waiting for Rapunzel to finish all of the girls' faces.




Taking a break for flower sandwiches (made using a cookie cutter) and fruit.



Rapunzel led the girls in some outside games.







Ella blows out her candles.



Posing with Rapunzel.




Yum, yum. Cake!



All of the girls wanted Ella to open her present first. The gift opening was a madhouse! I almost yelled at everyone.






Ella received three different Rapunzel dolls from her friends. This one was her favorite. It's Rapunzel as a little girl.



In Ella's room before they had to leave.


Phew! I'm still not recovered.