Laura's 5th Birthday

Laura spent pretty much all of 2014 planning her 5th birthday party.  It was going to be Frozen, but specifically Elsa and Olaf, and there was going to be pin the tiara on Elsa, a craft, and a fancy cake.  While she had some pretty specific ideas in her head, Laura was very open to suggestions - and my cake baking limitations!  Here are some photos from Laura's week-long birthday event!

The cupcakes that went to school - my take on Olaf, with some vibrant blue cake underneath.

For Laura's actual birthday, Nate and I took her to see Annie at the Hippodrome Theatre.  Grandma stayed home to watch the boys for us.

Laura was spoiled by her aunts and uncles with Goldie Blox

 And three Ant & Bee books - they're being reprinted!

And now for Laura's party!  Laura invited 30-something kids, between the girls in her class, a few select boys from class, and our family friends.  27 kids attended... It was a lot, but so much fun.

Here is the cake I created, based on Pinterest and Laura's requests.

Grammy made tiaras and Sven antlers for all the children - and mailed them from California for us!

Grammy also made Olaf gift bags!

I pre-glued popsicle sticks into snowflakes for the kids to decorate and take home.

Laura really wanted pin the tiara on Elsa!

I made some snowflakes out of wrapping paper to make a dance floor in front of the Elsa and Anna posters Grammy sent.

Powdered donut hole snowballs

Paul & Gavin wearing Laura-approved outfits

The snowflake craft in action

Most of the kids lined up for Pin the Tiara on Elsa - it took a long time to get through everyone!

 Grammy's antlers made the perfect blindfold!

 Presents!

 Waiting for cake...

 Here is is!

 An after-party dance party

 The sleepover party after the after-party dance party!

I'm still in shock that Laura is already FIVE.  She's close to reading on her own, has remarkably good penmanship, loves drawing and mailing pictures to family, is the best big sister, and the sweetest little girl.  Sometimes Laura would prefer to be a big kid, but she's still a little girl at heart.

January 2015: Recap

Laura looking so grown-up as she does her homework with her new watch

Gavin: "I Cap Merica!"

A warm afternoon outside

Laura came with me to get my hair done, and also got to wear a cape and sip lemonade (Gavin calls it Lemolade, which is so cute)

Laura's beautiful painted heart

Snow!

Crazy hair day

This funny little guy!  Gavin loves wearing Daddy's ties.

Paul is walking! Sword in hand, no less!

Christmas 2014, Part 2

And after a wonderful Christmas in South Carolina, we hit the road to drive to Captiva Island in Florida.  Here are the photos from our week on the beach!