A Fairy in Boots and a Runny-Nosed Baby

Thank you Great Granny and Aunt Debi!  Ellis wanted to put on her fairy princess dress as soon as it was out of the box, exclaiming, "BEST DAY EVER!"  (thank you, Rapunzel :)  There is still some snow, but the day was warm, hence snow boots and a fairy dress.

She looks old to me in this one:

The little girls have had runny noses and coughs for about a week.  Nothing serious or anything that seems to bother them, it will just be nice when they're all healthy again.  Maci's newest thing is putting dirty clothes (or any piece of clothing she manages to get her hands on) into the hamper.  Sometimes she  opts to just toss them over the baby gate at the top of the stairs.  Either way, we applaud her willingness to be helpful.  :)

Ellis' 4th Birthday Bash

Ellis helping with fairy house supplies a few days before the party (wooden toadstools, her idea)

Up at 7, watching for her friends to arrive...at 11.

"This is gonna be SO AWESOME!!"

 Pepperoni pizza and ladybug apples lunch:

 Treasure hunt time!  Each kid was given their own treasure-hunting bag.  Inside Ellis' was a note that said: 'Some fairies and elves stopped by to add some fun to this party.  They've left five clues to lead you to surprises and treasures..."

And then also the first clue:

 'There once was some candy to chew

Out of your mouth 'twas sticky as glue

If this rhyme you can follow

And you're careful not to swallow

You just might find your next clue.

G o  U nder  M acia's crib'  (GUM)

Ellis' bag:

'You're getting so close

I hope you're not bored

It's almost time to claim the final reward.

First you'll need a brilliant disguise

It will stick under your nose, not your eyes

Dads can grow them

(and some moms, too)

Go to the room where Dad shaves

(and also goes poo).'

'Swing so high your toes touch the trees 

Find this place and dig on your knees

Soon you'll discover colorful treasures

Will they grow a magic beanstalk like Jack?

Or turn out to be a sweet, tasty snack?'

(Jelly Belly Jelly Beans)

'There once was a family of foxes

Who made their den in our yard

Ellis knows where if she thinks really hard

Help her find this place in the trees

For this is where your final treasure will be!'

("treasure bundles" which were crepe paper balls with all sorts of tiny prizes wrapped up inside--they had to unravel them to find all the toys...and they took a lot longer to make then they did to "unmake"  :)

Unraveling their Treasure Bundles:

Cake and presents:

  

The after-party with Finley and Amelie:

Gabe took most of the photos, so unfortunately Gabe is not IN any of the photos.  It was such a fun day