Birthday Princess

Zoie celebrated her 5th birthday this week... and I really do mean the whole week. We just wrapped up birthday party #4 a few hours ago.

She just eats up the whole "birthday girl" thing-- to the point of extreme obnoxiousness. But every time I tell someone how much she enjoys being the birthday girl and center of attention, their next comment is inevitably something like, "wonder where she gets that from" or "must be hereditary". Growing up, birthdays were a BIG DEAL and I guess I just want to carry that on with my kids.

So here is the dilemma: making a grand gesture for the birthday without the hassle of a big, loud party with loads of screaming kids and unnecessary gifts. (I sound like a Scrooge-- don't I?)

Solution- step by step:

1. Big breakfast of choice (in this case, chocolate chip pancakes)2. Open one present-- a birthday outfit (a pink Princess and the Frog get-up)3. Take cupcakes into preschool class and sing Happy Birthday4. Have a lunch with friends (more cupcakes, more singing)5. Throw a family party/ barbecue (homemade cake and really cool presents) 6. Next day-- meet some family friends at Chick-fil-A (more cake, singing, and LOTS of playing)And voila! A very happy (and well-fed) little Princess