Sara's Birthday Bash!

Whew, I feel like we're still recovering for the whirl-wind celebration of Sara's third birthday. We woke her up the morning of "party" day with the birthday song and promises of a big present downstairs.

She got her very first "big girl" bike. She was very excited about this. It is still a tad too big but we have no doubt that she'll grow into in no time.

After nap time, the real party started. We stuck with the classic "Snow White" theme and decorating was easy-peasy thanks to Auntie Alicia's custom decorations. I even tried my hand at Bakerella's cake pops and my mom tried to make 15 or so candy apples as the party favors. Turns out, neither of these things are as easy as they make it look online.

Everyone was instructed to dress as their favorite storybook character. Sara was Snow White, of course (mommy sewed the outfit!) and Georgia Ann went as "Dopey". They both looked adorable and, yes, these will also be their Halloween costumes this year.

Guests were able to come in and make their very own princess or king crown, color or just jump right into things on the big 'ole Castle Bounce (after it stopped raining, of course!). Sara and Georgia Ann LOVED the bounce-house. I think it was a big hit with all the kids.

We even had a special visitor/guest at the party. The real-deal Snow White showed up to greet Sara and wish her a very Happy Birthday. She stuck around to read a story. Sara was so entralled and excited. For the first five minutes, all she could do was curtsey and smile at Snow White while telling her over and over again, "look, we match". It was pretty cute.

After story-time, Snow White told all the kiddos that the dwarfs had hid a few treasures in the sand box. All the kids went outside, equipped with their own spoon and bag, to dig up their very own treasures. And, then they were off bouncing again.

Of course the party completed with birthday signing, cake and lots and lots of presents - but by that time, mommy was so overwhelmed with all the kids that she gave up trying to also take pictures (I may farm out this duty next year). Everyone had a really good time and Sara was very excited that all her "kids" were there (she referred to her friends as "her kids" that day).

On her actual birthday, Mommy took off work and Sara and her had a "girl's day" - complete with hair-cuts, pedicures and a girl lunch. It was a very nice day.

Thanks for looking everyone!

Sara's Three Year Shoot

First -- attention all grandparents! Grandparents' Day is on Sept 10th at Sara and Georgia Ann's school. Let me know if you will be attending and I will give you all the needed information. I know they both look forward to this day.

Also, Sara's 3rd Year photos are posted over on the photo blog. Check them out here:

http://baldwinphotographytx.blogspot.com

I'd appreciate any comments you can leave over there :) And, we'll be ordering pictures tonight so if you have a favorite, let me know.

Finally, here a few of the outtakes :)

Weekend Adventure

First - everyone, SAVE THE DATE! Little Miss Sara is turning three and we will be celebrating in style. Mark your calendars for Sept 11, party starting at 4 PM. The invitations are sitting on my bar, and quite honestly, I have no idea when they will be actually addressed and sent out. Have no fear, you are invited. Just let us know if you can make it so we can plan for enough food and fun.

OK - on with the post. This past weekend, we packed up and headed out for another adventure. This time we were off to Nana Jan and Grandpa's house, or as Sara knows it, the Big D. The drive out there was nerve-racking as each girl took turns whining or crying bloody murder, only to break for their new favorite game of "who can scream the loudest". No joke, this really is a game they like to play. Georgia Ann usually starts it with a ear-piercing burst of a scream and then look at Sara and laugh. Sara then reciprocates and this can go on and on. And, yes, we preferred this to the crying/screaming that they normally do.

Anyway, Saturday we took the girls to the American Girl toy store. Sara was in heaven.

Of course, she only wanted to check out the other Aretha dolls. Here she is trying to tell me her Aretha is old and she neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeds a spankin' brand-new one.

After convincing her that she does not need a new Aretha and the old Aretha is just fine, she picks out a new outfit for old Aretha - a brand new swim suit. Yay!

Georgia Ann got to pick out her very first doll. Well, we picked it out for her - a little mini-Georgia named Savannah. Right now, I think Georgia feels a bit threatened by Savannah and pushes her away. She will point out Savannah and blow her kisses if you ask. Here are the girls eagerly waiting for Daddy to check out so they can get their little hands on their new purchases.

When we got back to the house, Nana Jan had Sara bake a birthday cake! (We celebrated Sara's birthday since they wouldn't be able to make it to the party). Sara, of course, had the most fun licking the beaters.

Finally, it was time to sing Happy Birthday!

And, of course, we couldn't leave with out a good family picture with the girls and Grandma Doris. Look how excited Sara is. 

 

This one is actually pretty good.

But, this one is my favorite.

Finally, I'm going to leave you with a few pictures from our pool party today. Enjoy!!