Calling All Fair Maidens in the Land...

For Lauren's 3rd Birthday Party we had a Cinderella Princess Party at Parker Castle. Many Fair Maidens came from far away kingdoms to join in the festivities. Back Row: Princess Ally, Princess Savanna, and Prince Kaden. Front Row: Princess Madeline, Princess Lauren, Princess Jessie, and Princess Molly.

The castle in the background is Neuschwanstein Castle built by "Mad" King Ludwig II in the Bavarian region of Germany. King Ludwig took the throne in 1864 at the young age of 18 and was often know as "The Fairy Tale King". He was enthralled by the world of German Sagas and Richard Wagner. This theme was very apparent in the design of Newuschwanstein Castle. We were able to tour this castle while stationed in Germany. Disney patterned Sleeping Beauty's Castle after Neuschwanstein.

Any excuse to get all fixed up and put on a beautiful dress and I'm there! I thoroughly enjoyed my role as Cinderella at Lauren's birthday party! The joys of having a girly-girl!

Princess Lauren

Prince Kaden

The royal crafts included: tieras, magic wands, and princess purses.


Princess Lauren and Cinderella preparing for the royal ball. Every princess must have pretty and pink fingernails and flower tattoos..


The moment we all had been waiting for! It was finally time for the Royal Ball! All of the princesses, and one brave prince gathered together to catch a glimpse of the handsome Prince Charming...


Princess Lauren on her pink throne opening a gift from Princess Molly.





My friend Angie Gerhart, www.babycakesbyangie@blogspot.com, made Lauren's birthday castle cake. It was delicious, as well as perfect for a princess party.

Kaden's 6th Birthday Party

The Creature Teacher

For Kaden's birthday party, we did something a little different this year. We invited Robyn Wheeler, The Creature Teacher, to join us. She showcased and educated all creepy, crawly enthusiasts on several exotic animals from around the world. It was a dream come true for Kaden (Kevin too) and all the children enjoyed learning about and touching the critters.

See Robyn's other creatures at: www.thecreatureteacher.net

This is Kermit, the ten-year old African Bullfrog. He weighs one-pound, but could get as large as ten-pounds. He was truly the star of the show!



Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. Yes, they really do hiss. Most of the parents did not enjoy this particular creepy, crawly.

Asian Walking Sticks. We actually owned about 8 of these little guys when we lived in Germany. They were given to Kaden by an LDS missionary who also loved insects. They loved to eat blackberry leaves.

Drake, the Veiled Chameleon. Native to South America.




Jethro, the Blue-Tongued Skink. Native to Tasmania, New Guinea. He really has a blue tongue!

Rosie the Rose-Haired Tarantula. Native to Africa.

Dino, the Bearded Dragon.

Kaden preparing to pet Rosie, the Rose-Haired Tarantula, who was subsequently dropped in his lap. He was so calm, he didn't even flinch. A true arachnid lover!

Creepy Crawly Birthday Party

Kaden decided for his birthday cake this year that he wanted a millipeed to go with his "Creepy Crawly" theme. He was the master mind behind the sprinkles.

TA-DAH! The finished product, which turned out adorable, and even better, was a cinch to serve to 20 children between the ages of 3 and 6.