Emily's Birthday

Emily's 3rd Birthday party was a lot of fun! We decided on a Dora the Explorer theme! Talk about an adventure!

We started with the birthday countdown chain. We started it two weeks before her birthday because she kept asking if it was her birthday every morning. Dad and Emily removed a chain link and we saved them to be a centerpiece for the party table.

Food and Decorations:
I was surprised by getting a "yes" from almost everyone invited! Our house was very full with kids and adults! We served cupcakes, juice, soda, chips-n-dip via Phebuses, pasta salad via Sawyers, garden pizza squares and a large fruit spread.

Emma and Maddie Phillips helped with the decoration shopping and with blowing up the balloons. Streamers with multi-colored balloon centerpieces ran across the window, kitchen through-way, the hallway and the front arch. The patio was also needed so its decorations included streamers woven through the benches and table. We also did a little redecorating of the living room to accommodate all the guests and activities.

The Guests:
Uncle Bill, Auntie Nanette, and Caitlyn came up from Savannah for the visit, as did PaPa from Midland. Also in attendance, Gran-Gran, Mom, Dad, Elizabeth and Emily's friends:

• Connor, his mommy, Auntie Fey
• John Allen with Grandma and Grandpa (Jim and Gayle B.)
• Jaime with parents Jeannine and Chris
• Kylan and Jayden with parents, Toni and Shane
• Maddie and Emma with Adrienne and Chase

The guests were welcomed by a friendly hostess and led to the Dora and Diego color sheets, books, and a movie! Everyone enjoyed the refreshments and soon they had all arrived.

Activities:
Considering the average age group, we did one big activity: FINGER PAINTING!!!

We rolled out a long piece of banner paper, filled a few plates with primary colors and grabbed a large container of baby wipes. After putting on our aprons, the kids got creative! The banner was beautiful and even the parents were involved in the painting. I thought it went over very well.

We moved back inside for cake and presents. Emily received many wonderful gifts including princess dresses, a Rapunzel doll, a wooden cupcake decorating set, a Dora outfit, and so much more, but from Mom and Dad, her first bike (AND safety gear, of course!). We had a little spill, but otherwise, a big hit with the birthday girl.

Wrapping Up:
Emily had a bag of party favors for each of her guests, Dora-themed, of course! Each bag included a maze/color sheet, sticker, gummy snacks, mini-frisbie, spinning top, and a whistle.


I hope that everyone who attended or helped in the party and its preparations know how much we love you and appreciated whatever you did for us. I know it would not have gone as smoothly as it did without you! :)