The little one is turning six!! She was beyond excited to transform our backyard into her own little OZ! She's a craftin' fool, just like her Mama. We aren't very good, but we love to do it!
One of Neve's friend's mom loves parties too and I heard her compare it to throwing a prom every year. She totally hit the nail on the head- It's our PROM! We throw one big birthday bash a year in lieu of big Holiday celebrations or the like. Nateman isn't exactly into the big party thing, so we do a staycation for him every year at a resort for his birthday. Everybody wins.
Our first year in AZ was Neve's 3rd birthday and we had a "Fairy Garden Party", 4th birthday was "Pinkalicious, and 5th birthday was Tangled!
This year she picked Wizard of OZ and it was so much fun.
Meet Dorothy. Let me tell you how excited this little Miss was about getting to wear ruby red sparkle high heels. It made her year. Her playhouse came in handy once again as we created the Emerald city with paint and foamboard!
It was supposed to rain that weekend, but it held off and we had our fantastic outdoor setting. I mean, what's the point of living in Arizona if you can't be outside in the middle of December!?!
We made our own little yellow brick road from homemade sidewalk paint, and we also had a field of homemade poppies made from tissue paper.
"Dorothy's Dress-Up" station held homemade fabric scrap Oz tutus and ruby red slippers for Neve's party guests!
There's No Place Like Home!
Melted Witch Punch
Neve hand painted Dorothy's house. She did such a great job!!!
Rainbow Ruby Slipper Gluten-Free Cupcakes! (Neve's specific request)
"Poppies! Poppies will put them to sleep!"
Dorothy and the Great and Powerful Nate! Nate's favorite therapist came to hang with him and play legos during the party. Love her!!
Dorothy and Grandma Ding-The Wicked Witch of West Phoenix!
Our little Judy Garland.
"Bell out of order, please knock."
Neve's friend, Maddy, made THE CUTEST Wicked Witch!
Neve and her best buddy, Lindy.
Witch Hat Ring Toss!
Then we had a surprise guest! Dorothy came all the way from Kansas!!! Oddly, Neve did NOT even remotely realize that "Dorothy" was "Rapunzel" from last year. Not a clue. Hilarious how they just BELIEVE. Neve just kept saying how "magical" everything was. So sweet. I hope I can keep making things "magical" for her for many many years. :)
The whole gang!
Dorothy gave the girls some ruby slipper lessons on the yellow brick road.
Then storytime with Dorothy.
Followed by "Somewhere over the Rainbow". Neve loves this song.
Next up was Rainbow Limbo!
Then jumping Over the Rainbow!
Next up- crafts with Dorothy!
Time for Dorothy to head back to Kansas in her Prius! Welcome to 2013! Ha!
The girls seeing Dorothy off!
Time for cupcakes!
Make a wish, sweet girl!
Presents!!
Thanking her sweet friend, Addison.
Such a wonderful day...and most importantly, Neve felt so so special and thanked us repeatedly. I am so grateful we can throw her such a memorable party every year. Thank you to Grandma Ding, who does her best to help Neve and I create our "vision". lol. We are exhausted...but can't wait for next year!!!!
Happy 6th birthday to our amazingly wonderful daughter. You are such a gift.
Here is the link to all the party pics on our Shutterfly page.
