{Happy Home} Throwback Thursday. Elena's Fourth Birthday: Princess Tea Party!

As I was skimming through past events in my iPhoto application I stumbled upon this exhausting fun birthday bash. It occurred just after bearing my second child, therefore had no mention or nod to it's ever happening in the grand Internet world. Shameful, I know. Well, it did happen. In a big way. 

This birthday Tea Party was born in my mind many months too soon. If you ever think, hey, I'll plan way in advance. That way I won't be stressed when it comes time for the big day. Lies I tell you! You will get so carried away. Just don't do it!! 

It was meant to be an intimate gathering with a few of Elena's closest playmates. Ha ha ha. What a sweet notion. :) If you know me at all, you would be very aware of my inability to do things simply. Or in other words, the easy way when it comes to celebrating.... What is wrong with me? Who knows? I just love birthday parties! Now, lets set the record straight. I am not one of those moms who spends thousands on spoiling my kids rotten to the core. For one thing, who can afford to do that? And for another, who would want to? Kids really only need to know they are special and worth some effort on their birthday. That doesn't mean I don't get a little carried away on occasion, I'll admit that outright. This lovely tea party plan (thanks to Instagram) grew into quite the extravaganza of baking, decorating, themeing and scheming. Yikes! Bikes! 

Elena was thrilled to be a part of the planning and carrying out of said tea party, so that only made it worse. Who can stop when you are having so much fun, and bonding with your daughter? Obviously not me. :)

All in all it was seriously great and wore me out something fierce. I just thought I would toss some highlights from the day on here since is was kind of swept under the rug. Who has time to blog when you get NO sleep and are deep in the throws of newborn bliss?

So here's to throwback Thursdays (the first one I have ever participated in) and my dear Elena who is growing up way faster than I want. Love you Laney. xoxo 

All the girls came dressing in their finest princess attire. This is a princess tea party after all! It's all things princess with this little lady.

This was my first time attempting frosting flowers. I really enjoyed working on them for two days straight. Because there is nothing finer than standing in the same place frosting itty-bitty in flowers non stop.... Ha Ha. :) No, really. I did have fun, cause I'm crazy like that.

There had to be marshmallow pops with sprinkles, roses, and butterflies everywhere. Don't forget the birds, dragonflies and glittery jewels! 

Elena loved having her older cousins over for such a fancy tea party. They were all so excited and sweet. It was a sight to behold.

Here is the glorious spread. We had butterfly and star shaped tea sandwiches. One was PB&J style, the other was strawberry cream cheese with sliced strawberries. I think I ate at least 4 of these. Everything tastes better when cut into a cutesy shape. There were *fairy cakes* my personal favorite, pink fruit dip with fresh strawberries and pineapple. Teddy bear suckers, animal frosted cookies and cupcakes galore. The princesses sipped shirley temples (Elena's beverage of choice).

There were these lovelies too. I am a sucker for cupcakes. Especially flowered ones. :)

There were press cut glass dishes and cups. Mini fruit and yogurt parfaits were had. These princesses nibbles at just about everything with a twinkle in their eyes. It was worth it!

One does not host a princess tea party without her fairy godmother... It's just not done. Thankfully the beautiful "Auntie Diane" was at hand to grant us our princess wishes with a swish of her wand. We love her.

Daddy was the prince in his fabulously casual prince attire. He rode straight home from the royal office just in time to see some of the grand scene. Our hero. 

Fun, giggles and sugary smiles were spread. We will never forget this fun day where Elena was a "real" princess. She might not believe me, but she is one to me. :)

Love all these frilly girls! They were quite the sight to behold!

My "Auntie Sue" came to lend a helping hand and read all these royal ladies Pinkalicious! They were all giddy. They loved her expressive stories and fun attitude. Thanks aunt Susie! Love you!

I hope this birthday girl's wish came true. 

Princesses like to let their flowing locks down too, so we finished off this dainty day with some raucous swing set fun! 

Happy birthday again my sweet Laney girl. Love you up to Heaven and back. 

~Mommy