Abbey's Art-y Party

I can't believe Abbey is NINE! After last year's fun but labor-intensive birthday party, I had said I wouldn't have a party for her at the house again this year. And yet... we did... and it was actually fun! I had a vague idea of it being a painting or arts & crafts party, then saw two friend's Facebook posts of rainbow themed parties, and Abbey and I both liked it. More on that in a moment.
On Abbey's (sort-of) birthday (since it wasn't a Leap Year), I brought donuts to her classmates and we celebrated at home. From her grandparents she got a gold cross, some Lego Friends sets, a card game called Spot It, her favorite magazine subscription renewed, and the promise of a ride in a real horse-drawn carriage when we visited Nana at spring break! Chad and I got her a watch, a DVD and book, and told her she would get a second horse riding lesson in the near future. She loved all of it! I love how the older she gets the more definite interests she has- it is fun and exciting to give her a gift that will really be special to her. 

Elliott made this card for Abbey herself. She used a catalog picture of Molly (Abbey's American Girl) celebrating her birthday! 

"Nim's Island" on DVD. We also gave her the book. They are both great!

That weekend we had her "Rainbow Painting Party." On the invitations we listed the location as "Somewhere Under the Rainbow." Turns out that's also where you could find the snacks- a rainbow of fruits and veggies, with a pot of golden potato chips.

Abbey made the rainbow herself.

It was quite breezy and this took a LOT of tape!

For an activity we were going to be outside painting. I had seen this simple and pretty way to protect the fence from a friend's Facebook post... you don't have to be creative if you know creative people! Chad did a great job getting the plastic tablecloths up on the fence in the wind, it only took a quick trip to Lowe's to purchase a staple gun. 

Nine little artists hard at work. 

Abbey's cat

Elliott's very happy painting

Chico soaking up the sun

Then of course it was time for CAKE! A chocolate cake, with lots of frosting to hold on lots of M&Ms. There were also a few white cupcake clouds. 

It was a fun day for all the girls and though it was very busy for me, the girls are all old enough that I got to enjoy the party a little too. I was thankful for the perfect outside painting weather, and for Chad and my friends Nila and Andrea, they helped so much. Abbey has some sweet (and artistic!) friends and felt very special. 

Happy birthday, Abbey!