This was Lily's week, her birthday was on Thursday. That meant cupcakes for the class. Saturday was the princess party at our house. We only invited the girls from her class and Jada, so in all we had 7 little girls. I had decorated the basement with a castle wall backdrop, a table with gold chargers and princess plates, pink table cloth, balloons and streamers hanging from the light fixture. The girls all got red buckets with suckers, lip gloss, pad of paper, chocolate kisses and princess gloves in a variety of colors. We ate lunch as everyone arrived. Fruit salad, cheese cut in the shape of hearts, turkey, peanut butter and jelly, cheese puffs and punch made with raspberry sherbet and 7-up. We practiced our extended pinkie technique while sipping punch, Lily made loud slurping sounds! I was proud of her though for playing the hostess, she helped fill everyones plate and was the last to sit down. After lunch we played good old fashioned games with a princess twist. Instead of musical chairs, we played "poison apple." The girls passed around an apple while the music played and when it stopped, who ever had it in their hands died a dramatic death in the middle of the circle of chairs. The last princess alive won. I had picked up great prizes at a 75% off sale at Penney's. Fancy purses and princess shirts that had been $20 were marked down to $5.00. We continued playing until everyone had a prize. Then it was time to open the gifts. That took all of 10 minutes as Lily anxiously tore through the wrapping to reveal three barbie dolls (one mermaid barbie), two zhou zhou pets, nail polish, Fancy Nancy book, princess clock for her room, hair bows and pocket Polly. She was thrilled with everything. We then sang Happy Birthday and cut the cake. Meanwhile the manicurist showed up to paint the princess nails. The girls took their turn getting their nails polished in bright colors and white flowers on the thumb. They all agreed that this was the best part. Mom's and Dad's started arriving as the party came to an end. I think everyone had a good time. Even my friend Jodi who dressed as Belle, seemed to enjoy herself. The girls all behaved very well and got along with each other. I certainly was ready for some rest after it was all over. Thanks goes out to Aunt Kim and Aunt Michelle for helping out as well, they had the mess in ship shape very quickly. Aunt Kim took 86 photos as I was too busy entertaining. Luke and Daddy escaped during the party but now it is time to focus on Luke's Chuck E. Cheese party next month.
In the meantime piles of stuff are collecting out in the garage for a garage sale. The kids are going to help and all proceeds will go to Lily's orphanage when we travel to China this summer. I told the kids they could set up a lemonade/cookie stand. Hopefully the health inspectors won't be looking!
