Samantha & Amelia’s 3rd Birthday Princess Party

While I had so much fun choosing the themes and putting together the girls’ Baby Love and Dr. Seuss birthday parties the past two years, for this year’s birthday party, the girls were in charge! I initially thought I would need to present a few options of party themes so the girls could consult each other and agree upon one, but I should have known better. They instantly and unanimously chose a princess theme (DUH).

On the way to the party!

IMG_4502

Months before Meredith joined our family, we booked their party at We Play Loud since I knew I wouldn’t want to be dealing with putting together a party with a newborn in the house. It was perfect having it somewhere where all the kids could be entertained and with very little set-up involved.

Kyle was our dedicated party host and helped with everything from unloading food and decorations from the car to setting up the tables and directing people where to go. He even brought the presents to the car afterwards. Thanks, Kyle!

Besides the initial rush of set-up, it was very low key and non-stress, especially compared to parties in the past. Chick-Fil-A even delivered the majority of the food for us, so I pretty much did nothing. Exactly as planned.IMG_0096

My only complaint with We Play Loud was that they only let us come to unload and set up a few minutes in advance. Thank you to my dad, and family and friends who jumped in to help set up. Thanks to my mom as well for staying at home to watch Meredith so I could focus on the girls.

IMG_4500

IMG_4501

IMG_4462 (1)

IMG_4460

IMG_0084

The cupcake dress cakes from Cinderella Cakes turned out cute; although, based on taste, I’m mad I didn’t make them myself! Live and learn.

IMG_4503 IMG_4504

Let’s get this party started.

IMG_0072

Prince Noah arrived and the party could officially begin.

IMG_0065

IMG_0078

Phil and the adorable Maya.

IMG_0067

Lily and Samantha.

IMG_0076

Lovely ladies: Phi, Sheela and Amy.

IMG_1852

The twins had a blast tagging along with Kennedy.

IMG_1908

IMG_1834 IMG_1821 IMG_1832

Nate and Parker bouncing out all their energy.

IMG_1826 (1)

Riding the octopus with Noah. IMG_0151 IMG_1891

The Erpelding family knows how to party!

IMG_1905

Last year, we had Cat in the Hat and Elmo come to play games with the kids and do face painting, and the girls still talk about it. When I asked the girls who they would like to come this year, Samantha specifically requested Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. They haven’t seen the movie, but the book is a favorite of the twins’. Amelia just wanted a princess, but didn’t seem to have anyone particular in mind, so we went with Samantha’s choice.

When Aurora made her grand entrance to the party, Samantha wouldn’t have anything to do with her. I’M THREE, STUBBORN, AND MAY CHANGE MY MIND ON A WHIM.

IMG_0070

Amelia wasn’t too quick to warm up either.

IMG_0069 (1)

At least Amelia consented to get her face painted.

IMG_0071

IMG_0074

IMG_0079

Amelia requested a Frozen-themed design. I asked Samantha several times throughout the party if she would like to change her mind and get her face painted, but she refused every time. Sigh. IMG_1856

At least the other kids were excited about Princess Aurora!

IMG_0109

Sebastian the Spiderman.

IMG_0107

IMG_0087

Lily tried to convince Samantha to get a design, but no luck.

IMG_0099

Owen’s turn.

IMG_0100

Avery, the cute kitty.

IMG_0093

Waiting in line.

IMG_0088   IMG_0110

We had quite the crowd. It was so cute seeing all the kids together and we loved hanging out with our friends, too!

IMG_1859

Samantha had a great time showing Lily all the photos in the slideshow.

IMG_1845

IMG_1847

Time to eat.

IMG_0111

IMG_0094

Parker entertained the girls.

IMG_0114

Princesses Maliyah and Allie chow down.

IMG_0116

Interrupting their dinner with silliness. Just like at home.

IMG_0118 IMG_0117

IMG_0095

Princess Jadyn.

IMG_0103

Princess Kennedy.

IMG_0105

Princesses Avery, Lily, Amelia and Samantha.

IMG_0112

Proof I was there. IMG_1869

More shenanigans.

IMG_1871

IMG_0098

The moment the girls had been waiting for– cupcake time.

IMG_1875  IMG_0121

Samantha tolerated Sleeping Beauty for a photo… but only after being bribed with a cupcake.

IMG_4498

Kyle lit the candles.

IMG_0124 IMG_0130 (1)

Happy birthday to you!

IMG_0127

Young, wild and three!

IMG_1878

Having their cake and eating it too.

IMG_4497

In case you were wondering, that’s how princesses eat cupcakes.

IMG_4494

The princesses received wands, tiaras, rings and princess tattoos in their goody bags while the princes went away with crowns, blow up swords and some Star Wars stickers. Good thing I had extra star wands on hand, because most of the boys wanted one of those too. Thanks for coming, Princess Olivia!

IMG_0153

Bidding farewell to Princesses Camdyn and Addison.

IMG_0139

Queen Amelia said goodbye to all the lords and ladies from the comfort of her throne.

IMG_0145

Queen Samantha didn’t feel bad at all that she had snubbed Princess Aurora, even after the princess bestowed her with a little coloring book birthday present.

IMG_0142

After-party comas.

IMG_1890

As the line from their favorite Olivia book goes, “You tire me out. But I love you anyway!”

IMG_1882

Thanks for giving us an excuse to throw a party and happy 3rd birthday, girls! We love you!

Lots of love,

Signature