A Very Merry UnBirthday to Lil' Miss!

No, it's not Lil' Miss's birthday today.  Her birthday isn't even in February.  In fact, no one in our family actually has a February birthday.  But, I've been meaning to write this post about Lil' Miss's last birthday for a V-E-R-Y long time (let's just say that her next birthday may or may not be closer to today than her last birthday was), so here goes. 

Thanks to her slightly OCD mama and her more-than-slightly enthusiastic tia Jessica, Lil' Miss has been able to enjoy some pretty awesome birthday parties (and Jess pretty much earns the Tia of the Century Award).  

Lil' Miss's first birthday was a watermelon-themed bash (not because she really cared anything about watermelons at the time, but because you can do way too many fun things decorating with watermelons).

For Birthday #2 we chose a zoo theme (because the zoo is pretty much one of Lil' Miss's favorite places ever).

And last year was an Under-the-Sea theme (because you can write a pretty cute rhyming invitation for an Under-the-Sea party when your kid's turning three).

Jessica just about pulled an all-nighter working on the cakes - a tiny one for Lil' Miss and a big one for everyone else - and they turned out A.W.E.S.O.M.E.  (I take zero credit for these adorable masterpieces.  And, yes, those are tiny bubbles floating up from that miniature snail's mouth.)

All the kids had a blast playing in the giant "beach".

And swimming in the "ocean".  What's not to love about a party with lots of sand and water?

While I didn't have anything to do with the cake, check out my cooking masterpiece: Octodogs!  I know, they're more than a little gross looking, but they tasted yummy!

 

We had candy sushi thanks to one awesome babysitter who stayed up almost as late as Jessica did rolling Rice Kris*ie Treats.  You rock, Steph!

 

The main course was pasta shells (both "shark"/carnivore and "manatee"/herbivore style).

The project that took the most time and thought (besides the cake) was the centerpieces.  I don't have a great picture, but we filled vases with blue J*llo and gummy fish and then added googles for extra cuteness.  The only downside was that the blue J*llo was kind of dark, so you really had to look to see the little fish floating around in it.

All in all, it was a fun day with friends and family.  And, even though a certain man in my life would definitely accuse me of going a little over-the-top, it was a special way to celebrate this beautiful three-year-old.

Lil' Miss, you are one of the most precious gifts God has ever given me.  You're spunky, kind, silly, and so full of life.  I'm incredibly grateful for the three birthdays we've been able to celebrate with you in our family.  I know you're going to be a fantastic big sister, and I can't wait to see you love on your little brother.  

Merry UnBirthday, sweet girl of mine!