Unicorn Birthday

Paige's birthday was a success. I made her and Cason each a puff pancake with powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, and chocolate chips for breakfast, which was a hit. So was the unicorno we presented her with while she ate.
Then they got ready for church.
We'd been cleaning and everything, just telling Paige it was for the party on "MONDAY". But I knew she'd start to suspect something if I started blowing up balloons and baking cakes already. So Neely and I stayed behind while Jess and the other two went to church, so I could work on the other party preparations. Good thing too, because I BARELY got everything ready in time. Not easy to throw a surprise party for someone who's IN the house most of the time you're getting ready. Ha.

When they came home from church Jess spent a little time helping me, and then just before 3:00 he took Paige shopping. People started arriving a few minutes after they left, and helped me quickly bring out all the decorations, food, and gifts.
The kids got on their unicorn horns and tails,
and we watched and waited for Paige.
Jess called when they were coming up the street, and we all got ready. As soon as the door cracked open we yelled "SURPRISE!", and she was definitely suprised. A little overwhelmed I think. She kept the door open only halfway, sort of hiding behind it shyly, until someone pulled it open and she slowly walked in. It took a minute before we got a smile. I think she was a little embarrassed, but happy. Later she kept telling me we "got her".
We quickly got her into her horn and tail.
And the festivities began.
We had pin the horn on the unicorn.
And a pinata, which we forgot to do until most of the kids had already left. I also forgot the kids' gift bags I made. Oh well, I guess we'll send them to people.

The two oldest girls, Alex and Megan, ran a unicorn salon, which was really cute. They got out chairs, and braided the tails of any of the little unicorns who wanted it.
We of course did the usual cake and ice cream.
and gifts!
When all the others had been opened, we brought in the bike.
She reacted in her usual reserved fashion, and I was a little worried she didn't like it all that much. Everyone else did though, especially the babies. Aivree and Neely both wanted to hop on, and Neely kept touching it, saying "WOW, COOL!" over and over.
Later, when everyone wasn't staring, Paige started saying she loved the bike, and wanted to ride it. It was raining, but Jess took her out back and eventually out front to practice.
So many people came to make her party special, and brought great gifts too! Thanks everyone!

On top of the regular gifts, Grammy brought Paige's doll house over. The same one we made, that had been pretty trashed, but Grammy totally redid it for her and it looks AMAZING!! When she first brought it in and showed me, I couldn't believe it was the same one.
Paige loves it of course. Grammy came over to get it several weeks ago, and took an hour or so to make plans for it with Paige. They made a list together, of things Paige wanted her to paint on it. Just making that list was like heaven to Paige, she's a total list maker. So funny. And Grammy did all the stuff Paige really wanted and more.
She already got out all the furniture and put it back in.

Thanks everyone for helping make her birthday special. Party 3 of 3 for the week is over, and it was fun, but I'm feeling pretty relieved to be done party planning for a while. Now we're winding down.
Paige's special birthday post coming soon(hopefully tonight after the kids are asleep)