Birthday Girl

A couple of weeks ago, we had a birthday party for our best girly.  It was so much fun!  In the past, we have done the big, blowout birthday parties and invited her whole class...but this year, we decided to "simplify" things and only invite a few super close friends.  Kinley loves Cupcake Wars, so we decided to do our own version of her favorite show.

Decorations

We set up everything so that the girls had easy access to the kitchen and all of the necessary tools.  We had plans for the girls to choose a cake flavor, icing flavor, and decorations.  We chose a beach theme because our girly loves the beach and summertime!  We also got all of the necessary supplies to make displays for their tasty creations.

Each team had their own bowl, complete with measuring spoons and a cute cupcake pot holder.

They chose their cake flavor and baking cups.

There were plenty of options for decorating too!

We had the table set and ready for lunch when they got home from the gym.  Each girl had a cupcake headband and an apron for the festivities!

We even gave out awards--they were decided upon AFTER the cupcakes were created, and ranged from "Best Use of Beach Theme" to "Most Random Cupcake Ever" (that was Kinley's pink cupcake with candy lips all over it.  Beach romance, perhaps?).  Special thanks to my sisters for "judging"!  Each girl also got to take her tasty creations home in the plastic cupcake trays, thanks to Publix!

The Party

We picked up the girls at the gym after their Saturday morning workouts, and after a lunch of Chick-fil-a nuggets and chips and dip, they got serious about partying.They started by making their aprons using fabric markers.  They turned out so cute!

After making cupcakes and display stands (which I'll have to post pictures of at another time because I can't get my camera to work!), we had birthday cake and let Kinley open gifts before we headed out for an evening at Bridge Street.

A Night On the Town

The girls had dinner at PF Chang's (and we were so proud of those who tried new things!), and then did some shopping.  We had a blast watching them run around and play and be in that in-between little girl and big girl stage.

We came back home for a sleepover to end the night, and although I'm not sure how much actual sleeping took place, I think they had a good time.

Mommy Thoughts

It is hard to believe that my girly is NINE.  Half of eighteen years--wow...that went by in a hurry!  I heard John Croyle say years ago that when a baby is born you should imagine them with a suitcase, and you have eighteen years to pack all of the good things that you can into that suitcase so that they will be ready when they leave you.  At the time, eighteen years sounded like a loooooooong time.  Now...not so much.  The days are long, but the years are short.

We have loved every minute of Kinley's nine years with us, and this little party was such a fun way to celebrate her.  Here's to the next nine, E!  We love you!