Parker's 7th Birthday

I made matching PJ's for Parker and her doll.  She picked out the fabric.

Our baby girl turned 7 yesterday.  Parker is growing up so fast.  She has always been ahead of the curve; doing everything early.  At this age, she is as independent as ever; rarely needing much instruction on her homework, reading incredibly well,  fixing her own hair, working the TV remote control like a pro, surfing YouTube (I didn’t know she was doing this on the tablet and hence set down some firm rules and warnings).

For her birthday this year, I embraced the large party idea and proceeded to invite 30 children to our home for a birthday party. Of course 11 of these kids are family so the number jumped to 30 real quick when you count our close friends and neighbors.   A few kids ended up sick so we ended up with 26 children to entertain.

The highlight of the party was the Treasure hunt by far.  I had something simple in mind, but once my creative husband got involved, there were word puzzles, funny sign clues, satellite aerial photos of the neighborhood, phone calls and tongue twisters involved in the game. 

Bella, Peach & Georgie

The cake of choice this year was a panda bear.  Parker was a little upset I couldn’t make a mama panda with baby pandas riding on its’ back. 

This is what she wanted.

  I told her it was just too difficult for me, which she didn’t really believe.  I ended up making this.

This is what she got.

The party went really well overall.  Parker received such thoughtful gifts from her friends and family.  Some of the highlights were a super furry, cozy sleeping bag from Grandma Dahl, a  Trip to Toys R Us with Grandma Powers to pick out a gift of her choice (AG doll outfit and art kit), Aunt Rebecca got her a video camera. She got matching dolly and me pajamas from Alora; from her friends she received Lego kits, art supplies, and Barbies.   In the evening, when Parker was playing with her gifts she said to me, "Mom, I want to have a smaller party next year.  I mean, I got so many gifts....I don't deserve this many gifts!"  She said this out of gratefulness and humility which are two of Parker's most wonderful traits.  That girl is truly a "peach".

Ali, Ella, PJ,Tobias, Alora, Ephraim, Brooklyn, Daphne, Georgia, Bella