Before we headed for our vacation to Washington, I wasn’t certain how long we’d been gone. I found a number of coupons to Toys R Us and, thankfully, decided to buy a bicycle for Ella’s birthday before we left. Since we ended up being gone for a full month, this turned out to be serendipitous. As the time approached to return home, we realized that school had started at home and we had plans to fix our roof the weekend following Ella’s big day. We ended up sending out a last-minute invite to celebrate with cake and ice cream on Sunday.
I am so grateful to have such terrific friends. We ended up asking more last minute because we love celebrating with friends. Illinois is a terrific place to have a summer birthday because the weather is fairly predictable and it allows us to invite families over to relax, chat, play, and eat without crowding people into our home. The downside to the humidity is that everyone’s faces are always bright red, but that’s okay. Ella and her friends had a blast running around and I was so happy to see my good friends again!
Beyond the bike, I’d also purchased a few other small gifts in anticipation of the party. I’ve also known that our pony-lovin’ girl has wanted a pony cake for months. So, we arrived home Saturday evening and I ran out to get ingredients for the cake, balloons, and a fun tablecloth. I’ve gone all-out in the past, but discovered that a few special touches such as these are all a little one needs to have a memorable party.
We love our wonderful Ella and it’s incredible to think that she is already four years old! I love watching her grow and I’m excited to see the changes and growth this year will bring. She’s jumped right back into preschool enthusiastically, even with a new teacher, and it will be fun to what her this year.
Here are some photos from our party Sunday:
Just like last year, I am always an ambitious cake maker and always a bit disappointed by my execution. But it’s the effort that counts, right, and my 4 year-old loved her unicorn!
Here’s a video of Ella’s “Big Surprise” Gift. It’s short and I love her series of expressions!
Grandma Cathy also threw a fun birthday party for the three August Birthdays in our family during our family reunion! Here’s some fun photos for the family:
She is adorable! I love your cake. How creative! Her expressions are priceless. At first it looked like she wasn’t happy about her bike but I think it was because she couldn’t believe her eyes. That is one nifty bike!
I LOVE her expressions! What a wonderful surprise! Princess bikes are the best.
As are UNICORN CAKES! I think you did a marvelous job. You know how I feel about unicorns. 🙂
Happy birthday, Ella!
So cute!! You guys definitely made it a very special birthday for her!!
Yes, she will certainly grow into the bike and it looks like she isn’t letting it slow her down!
Happy Birthday, Ella!