A Fancy Affair

Afton loves the Fancy Nancy books and she began planning her 5th birthday party, literally the following day after her 4th birthday. She knew it "just had to be Fancy Nancy tea party." It was a really fun theme and I was excited to plan a fun party for my girl. 

I used the book as a guide for the necessities, that's fancy for things that are needed. I used the dollar store for the decor. I used my mom as the buyer. (She had to pick up lots of stuff for me since I was still on bed rest and not everything could be ordered online, for a reasonable price.)

The timing of this party was a challenge since I was due to have baby girl on April 6. I knew she would come early, and I could officially get off bed rest on March 9. We set the date for March 22nd and crossed our fingers. (Everything worked out because Jocelyn was born on March 8th, which gave me plenty of time to put the last minute touches on the party planning.)

The Gift Bag

Each table setting had a "papillon" placement for the girls to decorate with foam spring stickers, along with their gift bag. Inside it the girls would find fancy China, flatware, and a glass for their sparkling lemonade to be served in later. The girls would be learning how to properly set a table at the party. 

It also had a play tea set for the girls to keep and envelope that had a french word or phrase for the girls to learn and use at the party. 

"Bonjour." 

"Merci."

 "Ja'dore tu."

"Oooh la la."

The Food & Decor

We enjoyed some yummy refreshments. 

The girls would get a chance to enjoy recipes from the book including "Crunchy Munchy Crudites" and "Delectable Fruit Kabobs." 

We even got to decorate our own cookies with whip cream frosting, sprinkles and candy. 

 

We had so many generous adult ladies who helped me serve these sweet fancy little darlings at the party. 

I was so thankful for the kindness and help. 

The Gifts

All the little girls were so excited to see her open each fancy gift. 

Some even said "Oooh la la!" as she opened really ones.

She LOVED this fancy hat.

 

Great gift. It's been in our car since the day she got it. 

Another beautiful gown, but her first hoop dress.

Painting from a teacher at my mom's school

The Fancy Friends

Quinn, Avery, Hannah, Bella, Cherie, Afton, Peyton, Kaylynn, Vanessa, Emmalina, & Lily

Even Jocelyn was dressed fancy.

Our Afton girl is such a blessing to our sweet family. She is very sweet and sassy. It just depends on her mood. :) We love how she is willing to help and always enjoys spending time with her family. She is a great big sister to both Jack and now, Jocelyn. Her smile can melt our hearts. Her intelligence is impressive. Her memory and sense of direction is shocking. She overall is amazing. We love you Afton Joy, our fancy 5 year old girl.

Favorites at 5:
Person - Daddy
Subject in school - Coloring
Thing to do - Snuggle Jocelyn
Food - Macaroni and Cheese
Ice Cream Flavor - Strawberry
Church Song - A Child's Prayer
Scripture Story - When Jesus was born
Singer - Taylor Swift
Song - Everything Has Changed & Love Song by Taylor Swift
Movie - Frozen
Game - Playing puppies with Jack
"When I grow up I want to be a Princess Dentist Golfer."
"I can't wait for my next Daddy Daughter date. I hope we get ice cream."
"I really want a puppy."
"I really love my mommy."

What do you do at YOUR Grandma and Grandpa's house?

We don't get up to visit our family up in Utah very often but when we do, it's always a fun time. Afton and Jack love to see all of the family, but especially play at Grandma and Grandpa's house. They pull out all the toys they have to keep my children entertained.

LITE BRITE!

Barbies

 Bracelet Making

Hot Wheels Race Car Track

 and of course, CATCH!

It's a ZOO out there.

Since I attended BYU, I've always wanted to go to the Hogle Zoo. I love zoos and always have, but no one would ever go with me. Since the freaking year 2000, not a single person would go with me.  Jerks!

My sugar said this zoo was a joke and not worth driving all the way up to it. So, because he rained on my parade, I never brought it up again. (Pardon me sir, but I didn't grow up in Seattle with the Seattle ZOO and Seattle Aquarium as my stomping grounds.) But I always, always want to go.

This trip up to Utah, my sweet niece Angela suggested we go. I did not hesitate in my response of, "I would love to go to the zoo." I was also speaking on behalf of my 3 children, who I knew would also love the zoo. Jack said, "Um, I'll only go if there is a lion."

K, I'm rambling now, but basically, I LOVED it. It was the first zoo I've ever been to where the animals are actually moving, not just laying around half sedated.

We literally saw lions (missing a picture because the exhibit was under construction, but we saw them), tigers, and bears (both brown and polar)... actively moving. Oh my. We also saw 3 elephants, one that was a baby, moving around; Seals, leopard, gorillas, turtles ALL moving around at this "joke of a zoo."

 Elephants walking around!

Polar Bear walking around!

Brown bear walking around. "Ummmm, he's coming right to my face."

"That leopard is eating a pigeon I think." Afton

"No, it's probably a little boy." Jack

"That turtle is WAY bigger than Aunt Allison's. She would freak out if she saw him." 

Look at the size difference between both turtles.

 The baby girl loved it too! She slept whole time!

 Favorite thing in the world to do - ride a carousel.

 Angela and Baby Eva

 "Hey gorilla, do you want to eat some food?" kindly asked Jack.

 Which elephant pictured has the bigger face? 

Him or me? 

"This bird is up my penis."

Well sugar, who is laughing now? :) 

We are, as we look back at these pictures and see how much fun the Hogle Zoo really was. 

No Paparazzi Please - Preschool Awards 2014

Who doesn't love getting dressed up? Who doesn't love walking down the red carpet? Who doesn't love attending a good awards show? Who doesn't love reserved seating? Who doesn't love hearing the roar of a crowd as YOU walk up to receive a special paper, trophy, or some sort of trinket that you worked hard to achieve?

Well, my girl Afton Joy does. She loved it all. Her Preschool Awards Program was a success. It was complete with the fancy invitations, fancy programs, fancy food, and fancy hosts (Mrs. Bahati, Ms. Jackie, & Ms. Shannon.) She earned 2 awards, The Great Teachers' Helper Award and Outstanding Academic Achievements in Letter Sounds Award. She also was inducted into the "The Fashionista Club." She was pretty cute as she walked up each time she heard her name being called. Excited, yet nervous to go up in front of the crowd. It was a very fun day and her Daddy and I are very proud of her hard work.

The awards, red carpet and fancy clothes weren't the best part of the day though. What was it exactly that could top it all? She responded with a huge smile...

"Having my daddy be there!"