Jillian Kate's Party Day!

Today was a special day for my baby girl.  Thing is...she is going to four this week.  Four.  I can't even believe it.  So, we had a small family party to celebrate her fourth year bringing joy to our lives.

If you are looking for a Pinterest-worthy party...find another post.  We just had a fun birthday party over here...like the ones in the 80s, when I grew up.

She announced at Disney World earlier this month that she would like an Ariel party.  And so it was.  Here are a few moments captured.

For the first time ever, Ben wrote on my chalkboard.  He did Ariel much better justice that I ever could have.

There were Ariels everywhere.  She had...a few...in her "princess bin" to choose from.  From the bathroom to the fish tank, Ariel was everywhere.  P.S.  The fish's name...Ariel.

The tulips...they had nothing to do with an Ariel party, but I loved them...so you see them.

 Here's her cake.  No, I didn't pull off some amazing cake.  She still loved it.  In fact, she was geeked to be able to keep the toys off of it.  Winning.  I also made her favorite foods...including a huge crockpot full of homemade mac and cheese. 

 My kids always want to be in costume for their parties.  Today was no different.  Here is my Ariel...with brown hair (she kept reminding me).

 She was so proud of her tail.  She didn't want anyone to see her feet, unless she thought that you thought she didn't have feet...then she would show you.  "Don't worry, I still have feet."

 The obligatory cake pose.

 And the present pose.

 Myles was lucky enough to rake in a few as well.  

 Jillian and her new room decor, made special for her by her aunt.

 Just a wee bit excited.

 Who wouldn't be...a barbie head to do her hair and paint her nails?!?  Jillian heaven.

 This card from her Nana and Papa was a big hit for the party.  A dancing and singing Ariel on the front.

 Jillian assigned the card reading duty around the room.  Do you think she might have enjoyed the spotlight a little bit?

 Special chat with her Great Grandpa.  We were lucky enough to have three great grandparents here tonight.

 Time to blow out her candle. 

The party was great.  It was super simple, but it was exactly what I knew would bring smiles to my tiny girl's face.

Every year my sister-in-law makes an awesome video of the photos and videos that made Jillian's year her own.  I absolutely love it.  They always choke us up and we watch them quite often.  It's one of those wonderful reminders of just what an amazing life we are living with these two little awesome people.  Myles has six of them and Jillian now has four of her own.  I hope to share it with you later this week!

Oh - and I just have to mention...my very favorite part of my day today.  Jillian and I sitting in the rocking chair in her room, reading a book.  Rocking.  Then, I sang all of her songs as we rocked and rocked and talked about her day.  Her sweet little curls hanging down as I lifted her into her bed.  The whole thing.  Loved it.

Hope your weekend was fab.