Big Birthday Bash

Well, Ashleigh's 5th Birthday Party was Saturday. Almost a month early, mind you, but at least now it is done for another year! Why so early? Well, we'll be in Gatlinburg, TN the weekend before her birthday, which is when we'd normally have it. The weekend after Thanksgiving would have been a disaster, the weekend before that the community center wasn't available which left us with this past weekend. My first time inviting loads of kids, along with their parents I don't necessarily know, so no way I was having it at home. Plus, I figured people knowing how to get to the party would increase their chances of attending!

I was very pleased with the turn out. Quite a few people called to say they couldn't make it for one reason or the other and I was beginning to panick, I'll admit. But then most of the kids she talks about regularly from preschool starting showing up and before I knew it, we had a pretty full house. And we ran out of almost all the food, etc. which is also a good sign, I think.

Here's Ashleigh with one of her Lollipop Pillows. They were meant for decoration, but were great entertainment for the kids!


Abby enjoying her lollipop before the party started. I figured sticky fingers were a small price to pay for her happiness!

My big centerpiece, so to speak. They don't allow you to use tape, tacks or anything on the walls, so I had to change my decorating plans on the fly.
The cake! And yes, I made it. I know it's not as pretty as a professionally done cake, but at least I knew it would taste good!

I had variations of this on the tables. Different colors & candies, you get the idea!
An overall shot of the counter where I set the food up.

These got loads of comments. Multi-colored marshmallows on lollipop sticks, dipped in chocolate and sprinkles. They were pretty, but I don't think I could've eaten one. They were all gone, though...
Blowing out her candle. She loves having the number candle rather than several little candles.

A kinda-sorta group shot. I say that because there were at least 10 kids who didn't want to be in the picture. Including sister Abby and cousin Elana!

At home with quite a load of gifts! Did I mention TEN Barbie Dolls? I did mention Barbies though. She really liked everything she got. And there's more to come-KT and I are waiting for her actual birthday to give her a gift.

Have to share photos of her modeling this! Mentioned to my cousin/good friend that Ashleigh needed a raincoat and she got this super cute Stephen Joseph raincoat with matching boots! And my aunt got her the matching backpack.