Today we celebrated Madeleine's fourth birthday (a week early) with a tea party. When I began asking Maddie what kind of party she wanted (actually I tried to convince her to just have an immediate family party but that didn't fly) she told me she only wanted the three girls in her class to come. I had planned on having her whole class, plus church and playdate friends so I was surprised she wanted something so small. I initially tried to convince her to invite all of her friends because I was sure that she would regret only having a few. However, I talked with her teacher who encouraged me to follow Maddie's lead especially since she's so easily overwhelmed. I am so glad I heeded her advice because this was the perfect sized group both for keeping my sanity intact and for our easily-overwhelmed-almost-four-year-old to handle. Maddie was totally enthused about the tea party concept and requested that we do a project, have "angel cake" and strawberries. I was more than happy to meet those requests.I was so fortunate to have lots of help. Even though it was only four little girls (and one little sister), between making the craft, keeping an eye on everyone and getting to join in the fun and take pictures there seemed to be a lot going on. Andy had been gone working since Friday and came home this morning in time to help. My mom came over to help set up and run the show. And my dad managed to get away from work to help manage the chaos, make cotton candy, take pictures and clean up.
All the little girls were so sweet and well-behaved. I told the moms ahead of time that they were welcome to drop their daughters off or stay depending on everyone's comfort level. The kids were a bit shy at first, but all the moms ended up being able to leave. I believe it was the first time each of the kids had been dropped off at a friend's house so I was glad that they all seemed at ease. (And seeing as I've never dropped Maddie off at a friend's house or party, I'm glad that the parents were so easygoing, too, because I'm sure the first time I leave Maddie at a friend's house I'll be a nervous wreck that she'll have a meltdown!)
Enough introduction, here are the pictures. And be forewarned, there are a lot. I had so much fun getting ready for the party and Maddie enjoyed it so much that I can't help myself. Some I took and some my dad took.
Sprinkles for the party cake ice cream
The girls didn't actually drink tea. Instead they drank (quite a bit of) pink lemonade. Maddie's got British blood in her so maybe she'll be drinking milky tea by her next birthday.
Since milk doesn't go with lemonade, we had ice instead.
Maddie was too shy to blow out her candles.
Craft table!
They are watching my mom melt their crayon art.
We kept finding Avonlea at the tea table chowing down on all the desserts that were left out. And of course "kitty" was her accomplice.
Growing up we had a small cotton candy machine. In the last few years my parents have brought it out for the grandkids. When my dad caught wind that we were thinking of using it for Maddie's party he surprised us and bought a commercial grade machine. I suspect that we will borrow it for every party we throw for the next 15 years or so since it was such a big hit.
And that, my friends, was Maddie's party. This party seems like just yesterday. I can get nostalgic and it's a little bittersweet to see my baby turning into a little girl. But how can I be anything but happy when I see Maddie growing to be such a healthy, happy girl, surrounded by such sweet friends.
