Peach's sixth birthday party (a week late)

We finally celebrated Peach's birthday with some of her friends.

We had a good mix from new friends and friends from the past. And by the time you throw in our own kiddos, we had quite the crowd.

She wanted a "Beach Party" and I didn't know exactly how I'd pull this off. And honestly I didn't give it much thought since she mentioned this to me several months ago. Like before summer stuff was even hitting the shelves. Then, earlier this summer my Family Fun magazine came and they featured a "beach party." I stole some ideas and created, what I hope, was a great party for my big girl.

We bought six bags of sand and dumped them onto our paint tarp. I set up several beach toys (that I found on the cheap once "Back to school" stuff hit the shelves") in the sand and several little chairs around the sand. We also set up three pools around the sand. Of course they were welcome to play on our swing set, and of course, they did! And lastly, I found a photo poser (I don't know what these things are truly called) to hang up. They all jumped in to take a picture in it.

They played in the sand and water, did their version of cannon balls, and pushed each other in the swings.

Then it was time for hot dogs, chips, fruit kabobs and blue "ocean" drink. They also took several swings at the beach ball pinata. We let it go for a few rounds, and then we helped the candy fall out!

The birthday girl opened her presents. She was given very nice toys, games, and art supplies. She was smiling the whole time. She enjoyed having the gift giver stand next to her as she opened their gift. I took pictures of each kiddo with Peach--and I think it'll help me when it comes time to write the thank you notes (SMILE)!

And what party is complete without singing "happy birthday?" We gobbled up these tasty cupcakes as well--they were allergy-friendly chocolate cupcakes with (non-allergy-friendly) strawberry frosting.

Peach really wanted umbrellas on her cupcakes, and I thought they should be "shading" teddy bears (I've seen it done before). I was wondering if the chocolate and strawberry would go together--but I gotta hand it to Ms. Peach, it's pretty tasty!

Being the sweet girls that she is, she thanked us for the party. That always makes us feel that our hard work was worth it. And of course, we think she's very well-deserving! After all, she's given us six wonderful years!