Our Princess is 5

Staring at the 20 or so inches of snow in my backyard makes me reflect back to a warmer time. A couple of months ago (has it been that long??) we had a birthday party for Kate in or backyard.   On party day it was one of those perfect 70 degree days and I can I just say I am so grateful for summer and early fall birthdays because I would much rather have 10+ kids running around outside instead of inside my house :).  To simplify we did something we've never done before......hired a princess.  And it was awesome.  All I had to worry about was the cake and some decorations and Sleeping Beauty took care of the rest.  The kids were a little hesitant at first but after the singing, story-telling, how-to-act-like-a-princess training, craft-making, and games, they had all warmed up to her and were begging her to stay for cake.  The kids were happy AND we didn't feel like we'd been hit by a train by the time the party was over.  Success.

Almost party time!!

 Being "trained" by Sleeping Beauty.

Funny story. I asked Kate to get dressed up in one of her (many) princesses dresses for the party and she flat out refused.  She wouldn't even let me do her hair, even when I begged her to let me get her all done up.  So she looked like a ragamuffin for the party, but it's her birthday, so whatever she wants, right?  On any given day I never know whether I am going to have Kate the diva or Kate the tomboy on my hands. That girl keeps me on my toes!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATE!!