Miriam showing how old she now is.
Grandma Susan and Grandpa Dennis were out of town on her special day, so they weren't able to come to the party. Instead, they had Miri over for a sleepover the week before.
The evening of her birthday, we had Grandma and Grandpa Scott, Uncle T, Aunt McKall and Bennet over for dinner and festivities. Miriam chose ham and potato soup and rainbow Jell-O for her birthday dinner. Then we took turns whacking the piñata she helped make and decorate. The weather outside wasn't really conducive to partying, so we took the piñata in the shop.
Miriam with the piñata she helped make. She painted the outside (with a little help to get it all covered), picked the picture to put on it (Prince Eric and Ariel with Melody) and colored it.
Sometimes the piñata whacks back.
The kids played with their prizes and ate some of their candy, then we went back inside for presents.
Seth getting Miri's light-up aquarium working.
Opening her present from Aunt McKall. Uncle T is thrilled to be a part of the fun.
She received a princess dress, Ariel Play-doh set and mermaid stickers from Mom and Dad; a light-up aquarium and the requisite batteries from Grandma and Grandpa Scott; Polly Pockets from Analee (these are hand-me-downs from her sister--Ana knew how much Miri loves to play with them "and I don't play with them very much," so she gave them to her); a magic show from Rebekah; chocolate bunnies to share with her sisters and cousin from Grandpa Wirkus; and Minnie puzzles and Minnie and Sofia the First coloring packs from Aunt McKall, Uncle T and Bennet. (Aunt Jessica, who had to work that night, dropped by a few days later with a coloring book, crayons, Disney princess jewelry and Ponies coloring for Miriam.)
Then came the ice cream and cake.
The cake Miriam chose for her birthday. Look familiar? She put the fish and star fish on all by herself. Rebekah posed her arms to make her "look excited."
Licking frosting off the hindquarters of the mermaid who sat atop the cake.
Everyone sang to Miriam, she blew out the four candles on the mermaid cake she requested, and we all partook of said cake and ice cream.
It's safe to say she had a fun and memorable birthday, because that night as we tucked her in, she asked me, "Mom, when is my next birthday?"
To see more pictures, click here.