On turning 4

Over the weekend, my youngest daughter celebrated her 4th birthday with her kindy friends. She wanted a Rainbow Princess Bubble Guppies theme, which basically regressed to a rainbow theme with some token bubbles being blown on the deck as my plan to set some fish-shaped jube lollies in jelly went awry when they dissolved while setting overnight *facepalm*. Chemistry was not a strength of mine at school. Aimee didn't seem to notice the distinct lack of Bubble Guppies on the day, although one did feature on her invitation. Bubble Guppies theme - check.

I didn't spend too much time decorating or baking (or weed-eating) for this party - I have learnt that children don't actually notice these things as much as the parents. The sun shone for the day so we were able to line our footpath with plastic windmills.

It took me an hour to cut and hang up the plastic tablecloths on the ceiling. That was effort enough. Rainbow theme - check.

The idea for the tablecloth streamers came from Pinterest. It's quite a cost-effective idea that gives maximum effect.

Now, don't laugh at my cake. It tasted better than it looked. The turrets were very easy to make, they are waffle cones rolled in melted chocolate and then dunked in sprinkles.  Princess theme - check.

But enough of the cake, what do you think of my pom pom flowers?

In the corner of the room, we set up a little nail salon with an assortment of nail polish. Sienna took control of this space and enjoyed being a nail technician for the duration of the party.

The party guests played pass the parcel, pin the pot of gold on the rainbow and musical statues. I attempted a craft activity for the first time and made some rainbow wands. Here is another example of pin-tastic images versus the reality:

Even inanimate objects look better with photoshop and a gentle breeze.

My hot glue gun ran out of glue, and then when I went to replace the staples in the stapler for Plan B, the staples were the wrong size.  I was contemplating resorting to hand sewing the clouds closed when one of the mothers at the party saved the day and ran back to her house to fetch her own hot glue gun. Hurray for crafty mums who live close by.

I just had to include this photo that her grandfather edited and sent me - I know, right? It's Aimee. In a bottle. Thanks Grandpa.

"Nobody puts Aimee in a bottle" - Patrick Swayze.*

Happy Birthday to my vivacious Aimee. A rainbow party theme was perfect for you, it suits your personality. After storms have passed, you shine and brighten the world.

* Possible misquote.