Annika's 11th Birthday

Happy 11th Birthday, Annika!  It goes without saying that we were so delighted to celebrate this milestone together.

It's also true that we celebrated in so many ways with so many people that I can't quite remember how everything fit together.  We talked about a Harry Potter party since this is the year you receive your letter to Hogwarts.  However, you also wanted a sloth theme, plus some other animal that I can't even remember now.  Jaguar?  Dolphin?  Or was it Bluey?  It's hard to keep up.  No matter what, we had fun.  Pizza, cake, and pass the parcel will do that.

Annika came downstairs for her party riding a tiger.  Because, who wouldn't?

Turns out this Tiger was ticklish.

Thanks to Bluey, there was much debate about the correct manner for passing the parcel.  In truth, these kids were so polite, making sure that everyone got a turn.  They even the sang the impromptu song Callie made up to accompany their fun game.

Speaking of games, Annika created her own assortment of crowd pleasers.  Feed the Sloth was my personal favorite.

Now back to Bluey with an award-winning rendition of The Grannies.

Naturally Pickles was the real star of the show, at least until she got tuckered out.

I'm so glad we could have grandparents there to both watch and dine.

Cake Time!  Looks like Harry Potter made it to the party after all.

To celebrate Annika's special day, she got to have a sleepover with Ruby and Eila.  In the morning we indulged in PapaPancakes with jam and ice cream.  Yum!

Crafting and more games.

Remember how I couldn't recall the other animal Annika wanted to be the theme of her birthday party?  Well I think I finally remembered.  It was a bearded dragon!

Thanks to the generosity of her NomiAnn, Annika got this beautiful baby bearded dragon for her birthday.

Meet Mango!  We loved this sweet beardie so much, and just wish we'd had the chance to love her longer.

Annika, we love you too!  Thanks for the beauty, creativity, and energy you bring into our lives.  Happy birthday!