a birthday celebration: setting the scene.

So, for those of you who know me, you know that I love to decorate. I admit it; I got a little carried away for Avery's Snow White themed birthday party, but it was so fun.  Here are some little tidbits that were around.

apple lanterns hanging from the patio cover

Excuse the terrible lighting- cardboard cutout of the seven dwarfs

Can't leave the bathroom out. I put flicker lights at the bottom of the cauldron and added glass Christmas ornaments on top to look like bubbles. It's normally a Halloween decoration, but I thought it'd work perfectly for our Snow White theme.

a shelf above the food table

spray painted doilie garland in the color scheme of Snow White's dress

It wouldn't be a Snow White party without a magic mirror and glittered red apples.

Outside on the kitchen ledge, I added a sword and shield and another reminder that my baby is 3!

The dessert area's theme was the mine where the seven dwarfs worked. Here are some "jello gems."

the party favor display

Inside the burlap favor sacks was a ring pop and a bird shaped water whistle.

cupcakes

colored foil wrapped oreos

M & Ms / Bashful's tumbled gemstones

The food table took on the rustic, enchanted forest theme complete with royal pizzas, Grumpy's grapes and ...

Drinks were served as Sneezy's sweet lemonade and wishing well water.

the birthday girl

It was definitely the funnest party to plan so far......

a birthday celebration- family style.

Balloons.... all ready for the birthday girl to wake up!

Opening presents from mommy and daddy. One gift she asked for was a violin. Yes, a violin! I have no idea where that came from.  We found a plastic one that plays music at Toys R Us. She loves it and takes pride in "playing" and dancing for anyone who will watch her perform!

a little love from the birthday girl.

a snuggle with Uncle Cooper

more presents...

Does the slipper fit?

Yep, it sure does.

Someone wanted her picture taken again.

Birthday dinner with her cousins.

When first asked what she wanted for her birthday, she said, "A cake."  When asked how she wants it to look, she said, "I want the wicked queen and the witch on it." Mommy asked, "You want just the wicked queen and witch?" She said, "Yes."  I couldn't bring myself to only put those two characters on her cake, so I added Snow White in the middle and all was well. 

She ate the cake exactly how she wanted and made a big mess with no fuss from anyone.

Everyone shared so well.

It was a fun night of celebrating our little 3 year old.  It was very special to have Titi, Max and Theo there, too!  We missed you, Uncle Eric.

sometimes it's the little things.

Lately, Avery has been very interested in musical greeting cards. When it's just mom and Avers, you can usually hear us in the card aisle for a few minutes. Avery is dancing. I am watching. Both are entertained.  Then, back to our shopping list it is.

Or, we take a few cards with us and you may just hear the "Chicken Dance," "Macarena," or "Who Let the Dogs Out" as you are shopping in the grocery aisle or housewares (you're welcome).  That's when Mom and Avery are pressed for time.

If shopping is a family affair, you may see this while mommy is knocking out the list.

Thank you to the musical greeting cards with the catchy tunes.  You have provided us with much needed entertainment during errands!

fingernails, facepaint and fun at the fair...

Thanks for stopping in...

the sawdust.

This year, it was a...

double drum playin'

 blues music groovin'

ice cream lickin'

toe ringin'

wish makin'

strawberry lemonade sippin'

type of visit.  Can't wait for next year!

the joys of summer 2012 {continued}

The Jennings' Annual Saturday Suppers

Pool launches

Surprise Visit from Titi and cousins (with Theo here) 

Trying on sunglasses in an air-conditioned store

Siblings together again 

Stay tuned for more summer fun!!