It's About Time

Time... I find that I actually have some of it today! I am at home with a sick hubby and kiddos so I'm going to try to catch up on a few things I've been putting off (like laundry and blogging!). A few people have asked me if I was going to update my blog and I told them I am off the hook for blogging in the month of December. Here is why:

1) Nathan's birthday - December 7.
2)CHRISTMAS (and all the activities that implies)
3)Natalie's birthday - December 27.

And that's what my next few blogs will be entitled.

Basically, our house was Party Central until today - that's like 6 weeks of craziness!!! So now that I can breathe again I will try and catch up on the blog world this next week.

Thanks for your patience if you even still read my blog!

PS- I backdate my posts so they appear to be posted at the time of event, so you'll actually have to go back to see what is new!

You're invited...

Lollipop invitations (yes, I actually made them!)

Warning: This post contains a large amount of SWEET pictures!

Can you guess the theme of Natalie's party?

It's a Sweet Shoppe!!!

This party was as fun and sweet as it looks!


Guests were greeted by this sign at our front door:


Before you get too impressed with this amazing party, I had to give credit to my friend Nikki at the Salty Pineapple for giving me this cute idea for a party! I pretty much stole all her ideas :)

First, the girls each got to make a cute bracelet

(poor Nathan - this part was so boring for him!)

Me & my SWEET girl!

Next, we played Tootsie Roll bowling...

Nathan was more than happy to demonstrate how to play to all the girls

Strike!!!

After that we played "pin the stick on the lollipop"

I had straws with each child's name on it for them to use

Natalie painted the lollipop to match the invitations. It was a big hit!!

Then it was on to "gummy ring toss" which we had to move indoors due to the cold, rainy day outside. The kids didn't seem to mind!

(can you see Nathan and his good friend Everette in these pics hanging out together? Natalie told Nathan he could have ONE friend at the party and these 2 boys didn't mind all the girls as long as they got to play too!)

Anxiously waiting for treats...

They each got a bag to put their "tokens" in that they received after each game. The tokens said "Redeem one scoop" and they got to turn them in at the treats table. Cuteness!!

Dan's main job at the party - light the candles!

I wish I had taken a close-up of the cupcake cones, it was my first time to make them and I think they turned out adorable!

Make a wish!

Time for treats!

And in case you wondered where Tyler was during this party...

Hanging out on the couch - poor guy wasn't feeling too good, but he still gave me a smile :)

A few of the dads stayed for the party and had their own kind of party - high tech!

Once the kids had their fill of sugar (their parents were super happy about that)...

it was time to open gifts!

Natalie was so timid opening her presents in front of everyone, but she loved every single thing she got and felt so special to have such thoughtful friends.

The SWEET Girls!!!!

Enjoying a lollipop :)

What a FUN, amazing, sweet, fabulous party!!!!

Natalie's Family Dinner

We had a family birthday dinner in honor of Natalie a few weeks after her birthday -we had to wait for everyone to get back in town! It was at our house right after church which is why Natalie is wearing the aluminum crown that she made in Primary. They had a lesson on how Heavenly Father is the King and we are His children so that makes everyone a Prince or Princess. Natalie was so excited to tell us how she is a real princess! Yes, she certainly is. :)

After enjoying a yummy potluck-style dinner, it was time for cake!
Dan lighting the match... on Natalie's teeth!
(the kids thought this was the coolest thing EVER)

Dan brought out the cake, and Natalie made her wish!

As you can see there were actually 2 small cakes that came with the cupcakes we took to Natalie's class at school, and were just enough for all the cousins who were intent on cake. I went with something a little less lame than leftover cake for the adults: homemade banana cream pies!

Waaaaay better than cake :)

Time to open the gifts! Natalie LOVED her new cute bag, bracelet, art supplies, crayon maker, and book - thank you so much to all our family for their very thoughtful gifts!! And Nathan was so happy to get to open a few gifts sent from our Utah family - thank you!

Natalie loves her grandmas...

Natalie & Grandma Carla

Natalie & Grandma Karen

So sweet!

Thanks to all our family for making Natalie feel so special on her birthday, we love you!!!