I will preface this post with ‘this was probably my favorite party so far.’  Not only for how everything came together, but for how it blew my daughter’s mind.  When the party was over I remember thinking ‘we did it’ – we had made a memory!  The year before I had a convention in Orlando.  We decided to tag on a couple days and take Kate to Disney.  She instantly become enthralled and obsessed with the magic of Disney – most specifically Cinderella.  I knew for awhile this would be the theme of her 4th Birthday!

We had welcomed our son, Noah, four months earlier.  Kate was great!  She excitedly accepted her brother and was a huge help, so I wanted to to make this birthday a little more special!

(I had to include a picture of the new guy!)

The first birthday surprise was opening her door to pink streamers hanging in the doorway.  She has an early December birthday, so we spent the morning putting the finishing touches on the Christmas decor.

The party was now about to start.  Some friends arrived mid afternoon and the kids quickly got to work coloring.  I had make a quick and easy art table in the playroom with some Cinderella coloring pages, crayons and stickers.  This same concept could be used for any kids theme.

The invite eluded to the Cinderella themed party, but did not mention she would be making an appearance!  One thing you’ll learn about me is, I love the element of surprise.   I must say, the kids looked adorable.  Some showed up in princess dresses, others had bows and curls in their hair.  Even the boys were handsomely dressed.

The girls were busy playing tea party when it happened…

Cinderella had arrived!  The kids flipped.  Without any instruction the girls sprinted to change into princess gowns.  They still couldn’t believe it!  Knowing the surprise, I had made a dress up area that included wands, bracelets and extra princess dress.

After the wardrobe changes were complete, the kids rushed to show Cinderella something that was, ironically, Cinderella.  There were dolls and books, being shoved into Cinderella’s face.  The parade of Cinderella product then turned into a rapid fire Q & A session with the princess.  Some of which were hair and make-up tips – seriously!  I give her props for remaining 100% true to the classic Disney story line in all of her answers.

Cinderella handled the commotion graciously.  When things finally quieted down a bit, Cinderella told Kate she remembered seeing her at her castle in Disney last year.  Then she asked Kate how old she was now – 4!

The kids then gathered around Cinderella for story time.  The birthday girl got the honor of turning the pages.

After the story, another tea party and some dancing – Cinderella posed for pictures and it was time for her to go.  She didn’t want to ruin the magic by letting the kids see her get in a car, so she instructed the kids to go to the back window and to wave as her carriage flew away.  Each kid screamed with excitement when they saw a spotlight hit a tree and then disappear into the night.

After the excitement of Cinderella it was time of cake.  Poor planning on my part because a sugar rush was probably the last thing the kids needed after all that excitement!  My original plan was to have a square cake with a glass slipper on top to replicate Cinderella’s slipper. Well, my execution failed miserably, so we settled for some cupcakes that had princess rings on top.  I would have to say that is rule #1 in party planning – not everything is going to turn out.  Get over it!  The good news is none of the guests know all of your great visions.  All the guests see is delicious cupcakes and a little girl making a wish.

After some more playing and yet ANOTHER wardrobe change, the party was ending.  Kate hugged her friends good-bye.

I wish I could take credit for all of the wonderful pictures, but they were taken by the very talented Jordan Ng.  Please contact me if you would like her contact information.