The Archie Archives: Happy 2nd Birthday Ella

~March 2016~

Our sweet princess turned two in March 2016. It was the most fun party yet. Frozen theme, because she was obsessed with Frozen and we even invited Elsa and Ana to swing by. When they arrived, we opened the door for her, not sure of reaction, and she immediately fell into the arms of Ana. Literally, FELL into her arms. It was precious. She would have walked right out of the house with them. The sang and danced and it was truly magically. I believe I saw a few tears in the audience.

I tried my hand at the cake and definitely over estimated how much cake batter to make. I had actually planned for four layers but came to my senses after making my six layer of cake. The iconic balloon arch made an appearance, and I even made a Wandering Oakens trading post sign.

My favorite decoration didn't manage to get photographed, it was the white branches on the cake table and from them hung upside down rock candy to mimic the ice in the trees. Thanks pintrest. You inspire me and drive me to madness every time.

This beautiful girl loved opening presents. The book in the upper left picture was from Sassy and Pops and I read it to her tonight. For the last year, she has asked for that book every night. The bunny has his own voice and they have developed quite the friendship.

Hopefully the movie will show up. It's an oscar winner I tell you. The two year old vocals are incredible. I'm not sure how the one below of Jack snuck in there. Best I can tell this was after his third birthday party when we had a Thomas party for him?

Unbelievable that a year has passed since this party. We are currently working on an Ariel themed party. She has evolved from an ice princess with ice-y powers that she could freeze her parents with to a lovely mermaid that enjoys flipping her fins and splashing around in the tub. Below are a few more pictures I just found of her party!

Close up of the unfinished cake above. And the dads in typical seating arrangement...

Make no mistake. This girl loves her Pops. Always has, always will.

The branch did get photographed. Boy, it doesn't look like much does it! haha. Much better in person but this was a labor of love let me tell you. I had to put cement in a small bucket and let this thing dry in place. It had to do several to find one that was balanced enough to use. Not to mention the walking the neighborhood, finding attractive branches, spray painting it/myself/and maybe the car white...our entire kitchen looked like a white forest at one point...thank you pintrest. You make me crazy.

I made the cookies, I recall them being cute :) But then again, I remembered the branches to be incredible! LOL! So glad my family entertains my neurotic party behavior.

In not-my-smartest-idea-ever, I had a "snowball fight" with styrofoam balls. Turns out those still hurt too and almost started a real war in the house. Oops. Below Jack is running for cover. He's in an iron man shirt. I think I had shirts made for the boys and girls as party favors.

And this girl...couldn't have done it without my rock. She came into town (in typical party crazed fashion) a few days early to help. I swear, Katie, never again will I make you help me icing cookies. And also I owe you should you want to go all psycho on Emmett's first birthday.

Below the magical moments before seeing Elsa/Ana. I would have given anything to catch her face on camera. It was seriously one of my happiest mommy moments. It's when you sigh and say, it was all worth it, every bit. She was happy, but i was happier.

And I almost forgot that Jack was bashful when the princess arrived. He hid behind a barstool and Grant kept him company...his wingman, trying to imbue courage...eventually, Jack said something incredibly cute, like the princess need someone to protect them so I'll put on my iron man suit and protect them. And so he did. Nothing went down on his watch.