Emily's Birthday

Finally, Emily's week long Birthday Extravaganza has come to an end. Last Sunday we went to Monkey Joe's with her best buddy, Aiden and then to lunch. Since it was Em's birthday she got to pick and she chose Olive Garden, yum! The waitress even brought her a chocolate sundae with a candle. Later that night she celebrated her birthday with her Nana and our immediate family. Just an ice cream cake (her favorite of course) and presents. Simple yet loved. I always said we would celebrate in someway on her birthday even if Daddy had to work (lucky for us Daddy only had to work till 5 so he joined in our celebration too).
Then came Monday. She brought a birthday treat to the babysitters. She helped me make cupcakes and frosted and sprinkled them. Tuesday was birthday day at school for her. A treat was needed for both classes, dirt cups for her preschool class and cupcakes for her afternoon daycare class.And the final weekend, Saturday was her 1st friends birthday party. Em told me she wanted a pajama party. I thought, really you can't be serious. She said that Ruby had one on the cartoon, Max and Ruby, and she wanted one too. Being the pleasing mother I am, I hit the internet and planned a "Sleepover Party" minus the sleepover. The kids came over before dinner all dressed in their pj's with their favorite stuffed animal in tow. We decorated Pillow cases with fabric markers and played traditional party games like pin the tail on the donkey, clothes pin drop, and pass the bear (instead of hot potato). For dinner we had pizza and fresh fruit and of course cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. Then came 7pm and the mom's came back to pick up their little ones. Em gave each of her friends a goody bag, "Sleepover to Go" that had a flashlight, light-up toothbrush, bag of popcorn and a mini box of cereal. Em absolutely loved it and I'm glad I'm that ever pleasing mom because the joy that was written all over her face and the hugs and kisses that came after the party made it all worth while!
But wait, there's still one more party. Today we had our close friends over and their boys for dinner and cake. Now, of course we can't have regular cake, that's right we had a 2nd ice cream cake. I feel so blessed that we have such close friends. They are so good with our kids and make great company.