Carlita's Princess Party

Carlita's fifth birthday party was celebrated on the 11th of September this year.  The day started at 8am getting the party room set-up. We quickly went to Milburn's Orchards to get apples for the party before Tia Sandra, Abuelo, and Sofia arrived. Once they did, Lulu went off to pick up the food and cake.

Lots of friends and family came down (or up) to celebrate with her and the family, including Aunts Fran and Laura, Samanta, godparents Tara and Mike, Abuelo, Tia Sandra and prima Sofia.  Sandra and Sofia arrived early and were a big help in setting up the party--and the kids got extra time to play.  Lots of friends from Carlita's school, and their parents and siblings came from school. 

With everything in place, kids and friends arrived and got the party started. The party was a blast--we set up the backyard with all sorts of activities, including pool, toss beanbags and buckets, parachute and backyard baseball. The kids hit the pool for the first hour, making up crazy water games. The baseball was a big hit, as well as kids pushing each other down the hill in Lukie's toy "Glitter girl" car.  Inside was toy heaven, and food central.  We had all types of toys for kids to play with, as well as a tiara making center which the kids loved. We ordered pizza (many different types--hawaiian, cheeseburger, pepperoni, besides basic cheese), which was really delicious, and the cake was princesstastic (three princesses on the cake). 

After eating, the kids went outside and took swings at the princess pinata. This was hilarious with how many turns it took to break that thing, but finally it did and the kids got their candy.

If the cake was not princessimous enough, Carlita's gifts included a full princess outfit, princess bags, rings, and everything else a princess could use. Luckily, there were a few games that had nothing to do with princesses to provide a tiny bit of variety. Unfortunately, Abuelo, Tia Sandra and prima Sofia had to leave early (actually right before opening presents), and they were missed.  But Fran and Laura were absolutely lifesavers because they stayed late until the clean-up was finished.  Absolutely wonderful!  They probably saved us several hours of additional cleanup time.  Their efforts were greatly appreciated. 

All in all, it was a very successful birthday party--Carlita had a great time and was very happy (if a bit overprincesstisized), and the parents were absolutely wiped out.  Wouldn't have had it any other way!