Ruth's 3rd Birthday Party

Yesterday we celebrated Ruth's birthday, finally. Sweet Ruth has the honor of being born during the Christmas season, so we opted to observe her birthday later, and spread the fun & gifts a bit ;)

Ruth loves Minnie Mouse, dressing up, playing house, and all things girly. So why not have a Minnie Mouse Tea Party?! I'm not sure Ruth has ever had more fun in her life! She loved being the center of attention, and said the best part of the party was her best friends all came.

Here's some photo highlights from her special day.

Mommy made Minnie hair clips for favors. Ruth decided to try them on and give herself pig tails. I was busy preparing for the party when I noticed her and had to smile!

While the kids napped, we decorated. 

Ruth was thrilled to see it when she woke!

We asked friends to wear a princess dress, but had plenty on hand in case they were needed for wardrobe changes ;)

I always forget to take a photo of the table before half the food disappears :)  Fruits, veggies, pizza, tea sandwiches and sweets galore.

Ruth wanted cupcakes AND a cake.

Strawberry cake. With a purple swirl in the middle.

Did I mention she's a girly girl? :)

Thank goodness for pinterest for all the ideas!

Once Ruth's friends arrived, they we're like magnets to the deck. Ruth got on her dress and said, "Look friends, I'm a princess!" I love how they're all so genuinely happy with each other!

We made edible tea cups, too. They were a hit!

Ruth helped make some treats before her party, like the dipped marshmallows.

While the little kids played, the big kids painted

And we all played "Pin the Ring on Minnie"

It took two turns for Ruth to get the hang of it ;)

But one friend was a little too good. hehehehe 

Haven't we all cheated at similar games when we were little? :)

Presents! She got some dressup shows and Minnie ears, and some puzzles.

She loved it, but I think she just REALLY loved having her friends there even more.

Faith wanted in a photo. And Ruthie posed with mommy once, too.

Happy birthday, Ruthie!

After her friends had left, the pizza was gone, and toys were cleaned up, Ruthie was still outside continuing her tea party alone. She didn't want it to end!

Yes, she's spooning kool-aid out of her big cup, into her play cup, and then drinking it.

It reminds me: when we were planning her party she said, "We have tea party? with cups?! and spoons?!" Who knew spoons were so important to 3 year olds :)

Here's some other cuties that made it to the party but didn't get in any photos! THANK YOU, Jacob, for all you did to help make Ruth's party a success. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY (again), Ruthie Bear!