I had every intention for this blog entry to be a short one. I intended to post a picture of all the kiddos and be done with it. BUT with over 150 pictures that tell the story of a great day and celebration with friends and family, I’m at it again writing late Saturday night (while Justin is in bed snoring across the room) so I don’t fall any further behind in my posts (I still haven’t finished my beach blog). Anyway, Harper’s party started at noon. Kids and adults ate and played while others continued to trickle in for the first 45 minutes of the party until the Vienna Singing Princesses arrived. They started the party by letting each kid pick a charm for a necklace. Harper chose face painting as the activity she wanted the princesses to do. Earlier in the week, Emerson and Grace decided they didn’t like princesses and were too old for it….thus the older girls were not going to get their faces painted. That was fine with me because we were actually over the maximum limit of kids had they all chose to get their faces painted. I left the room for a few minutes and while I did, the older kids decided face painting was indeed cool. Harper and Avery were already getting their faces done and Emerson was next in line when I realized what was occurring. I reminded Emerson of our prior conversation about the older girls going last. With Avery being almost done, I let her finish. Emerson did not take it well. And for the next hour of the party was pouty, refused to smile, and stuck to herself.
Hannah
Avery
The Birthday Girl
Zara was so cute and every time I saw her after her face was painted, she would roar. 
Ella and Eric
Dylan
Sloane
Sophia
Ashely
Finally, it was Emerson’s turn and after all the wait, she opted for something simple. Later in the evening, she told me she thought doing her whole face would take too long and she would miss out. 
Avery and Emerson. Emerson snuck up from behind and Avery was not too pleased.
When all the kids had their faces painted, we took a picture with the princesses before they left. Harper was shy and trying to get all the kids looking and smiling in the same direction is near impossible. 
This one cracks me up the most…check out Ava grabbing her crotch. Meagan and Grace laughing at one another. Jacob looking at them like they are crazy. Dylan taking a bite out of Sloane’s head. Sophia looking at him like he is crazy. Harper slowly falling out of the princesses hold. I could go on…just so funny.
Ironically, not liking being the center of attention in a large group setting. 
The kids made crowns and tiaras next. Larrissa was awesome and helped set it all up. Standing proud!
The kids had a great time…even the boys! 
After crafts it was cupcake time! I got these at Walmart (shh…don’t tell). They were actually delicious! And of course I got way to many (as I did with the pizza)!!
Harper again got really shy being the center of attention.
And with every second that we continued singing to her, her head started to sink downward more and more. Meanwhile, as I do every year, I have to fight back tears as I sing Happy Birthday to my kids. Seriously, singing that song to my kids each year gets me choked up every time!
Emerson looked at Harper to nudge her to blow out her candles. 
She stepped back to have Avery and Emerson do it for her. 
It was actually sad and super cute at the same time.
Once cupcakes were over, I felt a little more relaxed as all the organized activities were done. As is the case with hosting a party, I never talk to anyone long enough because I am running around. Not to mention, I think I peed seven times during the course of the party. I had two beers and an insane amount of water! Anyway, I had Justin running around to making sure he was capturing the moments. Mila came and while I personally didn’t catch up too much with her, the girls were glad she was there! I LOVE all of these pictures!
Emerson went last taking her picture with Larissa and Mila. She didn’t want her picture taken…she was still mad about the face painting situation. So Larissa and Mila played along.
I then realized I needed a recent picture with my “oldest” friend. Thirty eight years later and still friends…we look a little older but still pretty good if you ask me! I told Lish I wanted to get a picture with her and she was like “I look like crap.” My response was well “I look good.”. Thus, her initial pose and my laughter. 
Then of course, I realized we must take a recent picture of our kids together!
Harper is all daredevil and boy sometimes. Case in point for the former.
The kids had a good time playing on the swing set as well. My girls don’t use it much on their own, but it seems to be a big hit at parties.
And last but not least, I needed a picture with my older kids.
Followed by all my kids.
A good time was truly had by all. Happy 5th Birthday Harper…again! We celebrated three times this month…that’s quite the celebration for a princess. And since we alternate years between the family and friends birthday celebrations, I’m hopeful that in two years if we are having a kids birthday party at our house, a new open concept kitchen will be in the background!
We had a leisurely morning allowing us time to open presents (a new water bottle, beach shoes, and swimsuits from Mommy and Daddy), and for me to read my annual birthday letter to each of the girls. 
Larrisa joined the girls and me for their birthday mani/pedis at RainLilly Salon. 
After enjoying their spa experience, we met Daddy, Papa and Grandma at Matchbox for lunch. Followed by some group picture outside the restaurant.
After playing with our gifts for a little bit, the girls ate breakfast and got dressed, and then we headed to Kid Junction with Grandma and Grandpa. It was like a mini version of the Children’s Museum in Baltimore. The girls first played in the Pizza Parlor. 
