Tea Party

On Sunday, we had a *simple* birthday party for Irina with five of her sweet friends. 

I got carried away and it was a little less simple then I had intended, but it was lovely. I pulled out tea cups I collected as a young girl, borrowed napkin ring holders, and little bowls for tea bags. I enjoyed setting the table with Irina's help and of course arranged flowers. Irina was so happy to make place setting cards for each girl practicing her new cursive skills. 

Our sweet daughter felt very LOVED and cherished and that felt good to me. Our mother-daughter relationship can be a bit tricky so maybe that is why it felt so important to me to make this party special? It is taking time for a comfortable love to grow between us.

And of course it was a "Doll and Me Par-TEA!" I fixed Irina's hair to match her doll Rebecca. 

Before we were seated at the table, we took the time to go over proper table manners. 

The boys had an important job as greeters, servers, and helpers. 

The boys escorted each of the girls to the table. I LOVED the nervous giggles coming from Ethan. 

Originally, I planned to have just tea and cake. Next thing I knew, I was making cucumber sandwiches, a fruit and cheese platter, and Irina asked to make a sweet treat from her girls cookbook.

The best decision I made was to hire my friend Leslie to make the cake. Isn't it beautiful?!! 

I'm so grateful she was willing. She doesn't have a cake business, but I've seen beautiful cakes she has made for her family. So blessed she was willing to serve us AND deliver the cake! It tasted great too!

 The boys carefully served the girls each platter of food. They took their job very seriously. 

 Concentrating ;) 

 Check out the cool surprise inside! More pink!

We played a few games... balancing the book on their heads, 

who can stack the sugar cubes into the highest tower in a minute, 

 and one other game (not pictured - my camera battery died). 

Each girl got to take home a framed bible verse. With the help of my mom, I got frames from Goodwill. 

Then I spray painted them silver and put in the verse. Thanks Mother!

Irina was literally floating the rest of the afternoon. She kept saying, "You so good to me, Mommy. Thank you for your idea for my party. I loved my birthday party." (on repeat!) Then... "I can't wait for my birthday." (which is Friday and won't be nearly as exciting, I'm afraid.)

Such a special afternoon. And do you realize how many dishes my hard working husband washed and dried? Oh my goodness! Thank you, Darin, for taking care of that end of the party. Phew!