Rewind: Miranda's 4th Birthday and Her Birthday Party

Miranda had a week-long celebration for her birthday.

It began on her birthday with taking "treats" in to her class at preschool.At Target, in their dollar spot, I found a box that had 5 small containers of play-dough with lids on each that made a stamp. I then used my Silhouette craft cutter to cut out these little tags that I tied on with wrapping ribbon. I used this same idea again in February for Valentine's day for Zoë's and Megan's classes.

All of the tags said, "You've made your mark on me! Thanks for sharing my b-day. ~Miranda"
I don't know if they were a hit, but it was different from the pencils frequently passed out.

I wrapped each play-dough container in tissue paper.

 My dear neighbor and friend saw how frazzled I was trying to finish decorating Miranda's cake for her birthday, so she scooped up Miranda and Veronica and took them to the park for a while. Miranda was super excited to now be able to sit in a Booster Seat instead of a car seat!

Miranda's first official time sitting in a Booster seat.

My cute 4-year-old!

The cakes I made. The small round one is for her birthday night. The R2D2 was to admire for a few days before her party on Saturday.

I also cut these tiaras out last year for Miranda's birthday. See how much she's grown?!?

She's excited because her friend showed her a book about Star Wars. That is the theme for her birthday party on Saturday.

We love being able to Skype with grandparents so they can see the girls open their presents. Miranda love dht ebooks she received from Grandma and Grandpa. Thank you!!!

Actually, all the girls loved the books Miranda got. Zoë even started reading them!

Happy  Birthday, Miranda!

We love your smiles, energy, singing, vibrancy!

I also prepared some items for Miranda's birthday party that would take place on Saturday (her Birthday was on Tuesday). Since she wanted a Star Wars Birthday Party, I put together these pouches (also with the silhouette). The only thing I'd change about them is what I'd put in- the stuff I had was too bulky and they busted open when they hit the ground. I might use stronger glue (or tape!) next time, too.

Each pinata package had the name of the Princess or Jedi warior written on it.

I stuffed them with the play-dough (see above), a package of washable mini-markers ($0.50 at Target, party aisle), and a little pencil topper monster.

I also made the pinata, which was messy but fun. Megan and Miranda helped me wet the strips of newspaper in flour water paste (with salt in it) and I wrapped them around a punch-balloon. Then, covered it in black tissue paper and used the Silhouette to cut out the laser beam part.

Travis helped me to hang up the Death Star from a tree in our front yard.

Once all the party kids got here, we took a picture of them on the couch

Paul, Emma, Miranda, Bijoux, Veronica, Piper, Chloe, Noah

We acted out some of the story line: Princess Miranda was captured by Darth Vader (a babysitter friend, Doug). The friends had to stomp on balloons to pop them and find the key (or other odd treasures) to rescue the princess. Then they had to beat up Darth Vader.

The kids stomping on and popping the balloons. Chloe was the one who found the key.

Princess Miranda being held captive by Darth Douglas. I mean, Darth Vader.

The kids got their light sabers!

And happily swung them around, almost attacking Darth Vader.
(They needed a little help and encouragement from me).

Once Princess Miranda was rescued, and Darth Vader defeated, we had to go on a rescue mission to rid the Galaxy of the Death Star. We put on coats, grabbed our light sabers and headed outside to beat up the pinata.

We let all the kids firs swing at the Death Star with their styrofoam light sabers

Miranda took a swing.

She took a swing.

All of them tried.

All of them trying to beat up the Death Star

Then we got a bigger stick.
Piper took a shot.

Emma

Veronica

Paul

Noah, with serious intent.

Megan got a good crack in.

Zoë used Doug's toy light saber.
It wasn't strong enough either, but the Death Star was definitely close to being destroyed.

Miranda took another couple of swings.

Look at the joy on that face!

And, then Darth Douglas, who is still confused about who's side he's on, came in and completely demolish the remains of the Death Star.

Cake was next on the agenda. I made an R2D2 cake with both choclate and white cake, covered with frosting and fondant. It turned out really well, I think!

Darth Douglas holding Ali captive.

Miranda blowing out the candles on her R2D2

We love you, Miranda!
You've grown so much!!!