Birthday Bash for Edie

When we turn eight years old, we get a big birthday bash complete with a piñata and friends.  Mom and I spent all Monday morning taping, filling, running, gluing, mixing, wiping, cutting, and well, you get the picture :)  Then around 3:15 our house was livened with eleven guests and an excited birthday girl.  It was so fun to watch them get along so wonderfully and have such a 'joyful time' (according to Edie).  And even though the party only lasted an hour and a half, I thought all the preparation was worth it. 

First things first, they made name tags since not all the girls knew each other.  There was a mix of church friends, school friends, and neighbor friends.

 

Then they ran outside to play!  And just as they went out, the man who we've asked for many moons to come do some digging in our back yard showed up and did the work right then!

I'm not sure the girls really noticed as they were busy swinging, petting ponies, or playing in the playhouse.

After some play time, they came up to the deck for cupcakes, watermelon, and punch.

The birthday girl:

 





 

 

 

After the snack, Edie opened gifts.  Some of which were enjoyed with the girls a little later :)

Group photo!

Finally, it was time for the piñata!!!  Each girl drew a number, except for Edie who was going to go last. 

However, about half way through, the piñata dropped some candy and the girls dove for the candy!

Except for Edie who politely watched.

Since there was some candy left in the piñata, we decided to let her cut into the line and hit it before it was totally gone.  Each girl got some candy to take home and there was never a tear shed.

Pony rides and a craft were after the piñata.  The craft was tissue-flower boquets, an idea inspired by the tissue-paper flowers I made with Hannah for the Valentine's Day party in Ixtlan.  Thanks for the idea, Hannah!

 

Once the organized activities were over, the girls played with various things until their mothers came to get them.

But the party wasn't over yet for the Lehmans!  Thanks to Edie's great choice of a birthday meal, we got to enjoy steak, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and melon.  Then we were joined by some extended family for presents and cake.

That night I was so worn out, but I would do it all again.  And I think Edie would too :)