A Perfectly Popless Party!

I just couldn't wait to post pictures from Callie's third birthday party on Saturday!  I know I give my father-in-law a hard time about his picture taking skills, especially when the boring photos are of me half-asleep.  But he usually takes many more good photos than bad and this weekend, he really outdid himself.  There are so many wonderful photos and I keep looking at them over and over.  I am so thankful that he was out there snapping pictures because I was so busy socializing and running back and forth that I wouldn't have been able to take many at all.  We had a wonderful turnout for the party and it was a nice day to be outside.  Ryan, the balloon guy (who we would all like to adopt into our family) was a huge hit and a great surprise for Callie.  I think she is his biggest fan and he seems to be pretty attached to her too!  There is not much more to say that can't be said through pictures instead, but I do have to thank Dreama, Michelle, Steve, Mom and Dad for all their help making the party a success.  Matt and I were both thrilled with how it all turned out and we owe much of that to you!  Glad you were all there to celebrate our baby big girl turning three(she doesn't want to lose the "baby" title yet)!

 Part of the prep-crew.  Mom and Dad helped me paint a bunch of Octonaut and sea creature posters to hang around the room for decoration.

 Before the party, Callie got her big present from Mimi and Yoo-Hoo.  This helped keep her occupied while  the rest of us worked in shifts to get things ready.

 Kwazii cake and octopus cupcakes.

 Can't go wrong with english muffin pizzas and pigs in a blanket.

We kept most of the party outside.  Or little backyard was just enough room for a party of mostly toddlers.  Callie's swingset birthday present from last year got a lot of good use!

 Callie was shocked and thrilled when she noticed Ryan had arrived.  She just walked up to him and stared like she couldn't believe the balloon guy was actually at her house!

 At least someone enjoyed the oversized bowling pins that I bought for the occasion!

 Callie got the first balloon creation - Prof. Inkling form the Octonauts.  After that, Ryan didn't stop sculpting for two hours!

 A Thomas Train hat

 Watching the balloon guy in action and enjoying her lady bug.

 I asked for Bugs Bunny dressed as Carmen Miranda.  It turned out amazing, of course!

 We surprised Yoo-Hoo with his favorite - Little Mermaid, the "naughty" version!

 A quiet moment with Daddy.

 The finest in alien themed headware

 The party bouncer

 Turnip from the Octonauts

 Ryan ended up making her all of the main characters off the show.

 Running to find mommy to show off her Kwazii balloon.

 A big hug for Ryan.

 And a birthday cake hat for Callie!

 Some flowers for me!

 A balloon Wrigley for Aunt Missy

 We love Ryan the Balloon Guy!

 And somebody else has an unhealthy attachment to Megamind!

 My flowers made a perfect centerpiece for our Easter table the next day!

 Callie's wagon was also a big hit at the party.

 A hug for best friend Sara.

 Apparently, Callie partied too hard!

 I love the sequence of this photo with the next two.

 Oops!

Callie was especially attached to Aunt Missy over the weekend and cried herself to sleep the night after she left because she missed her so much.

 Time to blow out the candle!

 The octopus cupcakes were the most popular food item and made for some great photos!

All the kids enjoyed them!

 Callie loved her presents!

 Apparently, someone else did too by the look on her face!

 Or maybe not.  Maybe she thought that present was going to be for her!

Callie got to hold a baby.  She was very good with her.  My friend Jacquie brought her toddler and her twin girl babies to the party!  She enjoyed having extra arms to hold the babies and I think every woman there enjoyed a turn holding them!

I can't believe she's three already but I am loving her big personality and hilarious comments as well as her constant smile.  I do occasionally miss holding that chubby little baby Callie but I am just as much in love with the "baby big girl" version!  We are so blessed to have such a sweet and healthy little girl!