Happy SEVENTH Birthday, Maida!!!

Happy birthday, Maida!  You are my dream come true! 

I love you so much,  

Mommy

The week before Maida's birthday, we brought in a cookie cake to share with her class!  Erik read her favorite book to the class while they enjoyed the cookie cake!

Maida's birthday fell on a Saturday, so we were able to have her birthday party on her actual birthday.  She invited all the girls from her grade at her school, plus some church friends, and we had a Frozen themed party!

 When the girls first arrived, I had them paint a popsicle stick snowflake with white paint.  Then we dipped them into a glitter and Epson salt mix.  They turned out nicely textured and sparkly!  The girls were pleased with them.

While we waited for everyone to arrive and paint their snowflakes, I had the girls each create a snowman.  The instructions were, "If you could create a snowman that could come to life like Olaf, what would he or she look like?  Create it."

After the snowman creations, we did a snowflake pin craft.

For the game, we divided the girls up into two teams.  I had collected some quotes from the movie and the teams had to try to guess who said the quotes.  Some were very easy and some were pretty hard!  It was fun to see the girls work together with their teams to try to figure out the answers.

After games, we ate!  We served "ice blocks" (blue jello), "snowballs" and "dipped snowballs" (marshmallows/white chocolate dipped marshmallows), "snowman noses" (mini carrots), "magic wands" (white chocolate dipped pretzels), and cupcakes.  We also served "ice berg punch" (blue punch with floating ice cream).

We played "spin the magic wand" for present opening, which was really fun!

 It was fun to have Maida's friends over and get to know them all a little better!

 Inside the treat bags was the snowflake and snowflake pin they made at the party, an ice blue necklace, a ball of glittery playdough that said, "I had snow much fun playing today!", and a rainbow loom bracelet that Maida made for everyone!

Maida got a lot of really nice gifts!  I'm so thankful for such nice friends.

Happy 33rd Birthday, Erik!!!

Happy birthday to the guy who is the life of every (and any) party, the hardest worker you'll ever find (who gives 110% to everything he does), the type who you'll know for only five minutes and it will feel like you've known him forever (he knows no stronger), the crazy guy who is fearless on (or off) skies, my children's Daddy (and hero), my best friend (and soul mate).  I hope you had a great birthday!

The kids and I surprised Erik at work for his 33rd birthday!

 The kids picked out presents for Erik that we wrapped and brought up.  They picked out some Duck Dynasty things, a rubber band shooter, some aftershave lotion, and a canvas print of the inside of the old Vikings' Metrodome. 

 We also brought up some cupcakes!  We were only able to spend about 10 minutes with Erik on his birthday, but it was so worth it.  Erik mentioned to me later that it was one of the best birthdays he's ever had.  He LOVED the presents!