We Had a Party, Shout Hooray!

Even though her birthday isn't until Tuesday, we had Kate's friend party today. It was mostly planned by Kate (with a little help from mom). She even came up with the guest list by herself. It was a Toy Story/zoo/Candyland/Tangled party. 

As we were getting ready for the party, James kept getting into the bag of prizes for the guests. He insisted that everyone put on a pair of glasses.

Kate wanted a Candyland cake. When I asked her what that meant, she said, "Lots of M&M's", so that's what it had. 

 Lots of balloons and decorations were also a request from the birthday girl.

 

As the guests arrived, they each got to decorate their own bag. They loved showing them off. From left to right it goes Kate, Trinity, Logan, and Devri. We know Logan from the nursery at church (even though he's in the other ward), and it was REALLY important to Kate that he was there. One of her friends couldn't make it and she said, "That's ok. Logan will be there." After all the kids went home she said over and over, "I'm so glad Logan came. I like him the best." Do I already need to start worrying about crushes??

Kate picked out this pinata about a week ago. She has been talking about it all week. I've never actually seen a pull-string pinata in action, and I was secretly worried that it wouldn't work. It did, though, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's set up so that all but one of the strings pull right out of the pinata when you tug.  Only one will open the trapped door and let the (fruit snacks) out. It took about 10 tires before they got the right one.

 

Here are all the kids feasting on their loot from the pinata.

 

We also ate cake. Talk about a sugar fest. The downside of me holding the camera is that you get to hear me singing loud and clear. Oh well.

Kate had no shortage of help opening her presents.

 Hugs followed each present. Kate was very grateful.

Trinity was very excited to make fruit-loop necklaces.

 Before all the kids went home they played and played and played.

 The biggest hit was Kate's new tent that she got from her Great-Grandma Kelsey. The kids had a blast inside!

Don't worry, more birthday pictures to come on Tuesday when Kate officially turns 3!!