A Princess Party

I just wanted to do something fun and different than what we're used to doing - knowing I'd probably never do it again. I'm thinking maybe one themed party for each child? She LOVES Sofia the First and dressing up and being a princess so why not... I mentioned it to my mom (doing something fun but low key in the backyard), and she ran with the party games. I didn't do a thing but put together some food and dollar store decorations. Well, due to weather we had to transport it all to our ward building so THAT was a pain, but Eric's sister saved me there. I was really bummed we couldn't do it in the backyard because it just started blooming and I love the green-ness SO I got Lexi to pray the rain would hold off for her party, but that either way we'd have fun. Guess what! It didn't rain! But it was cold and windy, haha (exactly like my wedding day). Nonetheless, she still had fun and had a ton more space to run around! Which is one of her most favorite things. I was also bummed none of her friends could make it, but she doesn't know the difference and family are her best friends at this age right? She ADORES her cousins Maren, Brooklyn & Lily so we're glad they came along with Eric's family. Don't mind her hair in the pictures; toddlers play hard.

For food, I did some of her favorites... a fruit bowl (strawberries, blackberries, apples), broccoli & carrots, cheese/crackers/pepperoni, and then "princess popcorn", cupcakes & cookies with lemonade. None of the leftovers lasted long... even after I tried getting people to take some home.

Dallin does great when he gets to be held by everyone. Dad brought him to the party in his nightgown.

For games, Gammi got horses for a relay race, she got dad's cousin to draw "pin the tail on Minimus" which turned out adorable (everyone but Brooklyn cheated as you can tell), a parachute and she carried that piñata all the way from NC. Mr Smith loved his job of filling it with candy. I couldn't put him in charge of much... Gammi also made "amulets" for all the girls to take home.

We wanted presents to be minimal since it was already a lot of excitement, but Grandma Smith brought some books, shirts & a puzzle. Aunt Lisa got her some nail polish. Uncle Lance got her a Frozen puzzle. The Hanks got her a bracelet and a unicorn. Dallin got her some Boom rackets & another puzzle. She loves her puzzles.

I love doing things to make her excited. She tells me now "I'm so excited, mommy!" She has us wrapped around her little finger, but we couldn't be more proud of the little lady she is becoming. Her personality is full of compassion, energy & sass. She is so clever it startles me at times. We talk to her about being brave & tough. She would befriend the world if she could. I often wonder if she will stay as cuddly and touchy as she has always been. She is a great example to me of someone who extends kindness to anyone. The lack of stranger danger can be scary at times, but I'm grateful that she can trust her world. I just have to work extra hard to shelter it as long as possible. Everywhere we go people always get a good chuckle at her conversations. She just chatters away. The emotions come when she feels rejected but she is usually quick to recover. She is pretty logical and just needs a little explanation and repetition until it sticks. She is a great helper and really does like to please. We love our little Alexis Jane.