Maddie's Balloon 4th Birthday Party!

(June 22, 2013)

For Maddie's birthday this year, I really wanted to throw a party that was colorful and whimsical, with simplicity.  What are things that every child absolutely loves, that are also simple?  Balloons. Playgrounds. Snacks. Friends. I took off with the first of these, being balloons.  I became infatuated with the idea of balloons!!  We decided to throw her a "balloon" party, using the backyard of some good friends.  I got to work crafting the idea in my head, with one main decoration - you got it, balloons. :)  But it wasn't just having balloons up in the air.  I chose snacks that were mostly round (ritz crackers, salami, cheese slices cut in the shape of a balloon, grapes, popcorn, and then jello-jigglers which were supposed to be in the balloon shape...but it didn't work out so well, so they were thrown into cups - but I tried!).

For decorating, I had balloons and streamers placed around the yard, the balloon wreath I had made for our house (and, let's face it, this party), party hats I had made (but were hardly worn), and a banner.  The colors were bright and full of whimsy. :)

And finally, for entertainment, I had a table set up with balloon-themed coloring sheets, bubbles and chalk in another corner of the yard.  The big highlight of the party was the balloon sculptor we hired to come make balloon creations for the kids.  It was a smashing success!  He was incredible - his creations were outstanding, he captivated the kids, and kept the adults entertained as well.  Win win! 

The only kid who wasn't as enthralled, was the birthday girl.  She wouldn't give him the time of day!  He was trying to ask her about her interests, and such, to figure out what she would like him to make.  It was sort of like pulling teeth!  She finally settled on sharing some information with him...that she loves Rapunzel.

Just wait..Rapunzel is coming.

Making another creation.

See, what did I tell you?  Captivated.

Ever and Maddie, with their beautiful balloons.

At least Caleb put a hat on for me...for a few minutes. :) 

turtle riding a wave

helicopter

dolphin

hot dog!

lady bug

princess hat

fishing pole

An attempt to get all the balloon creations in one picture..

The next best shot (with about 10 pictures taken prior to this one).

Okay. I give up.

Maddie and Rapunzel.

Cupcake time!

Happy Birthday, dear Maddie!

Maddie, with some of her most favorite, dearest friends - Hannah, Micah and Amelie.

Geoffrey knows what's up.

After the party ended, we had come home, and nap time had concluded, I realized that I never caught a shot of our entire family.  We snapped this one outside our apartment to mark the occasion!  Happy 4th Birthday, Madelyn!!  We love you!!