The Big Day

Maddie's fourth birthday dawned dark, cloudy, cold, and rainy. The only such day I have ever seen here in September since moving to Arizona. Also the only day I've ever rented an outdoor play area for a party. After frantically trying to figure out what to do with a group of bored four-year-olds, and hauling half my house over to the community center (the site of this bash), I was late setting up the indoor room. By the time I finished setting up, of course, everyone was there already, and the sun came out. Exactly what I'd been hoping for the entire time. But somehow I was also annoyed about it. I think the weather had it in for me; waited until I scrambled around, belatedly, making giant messes, then got its act together. I just wished it would make up its mind. (Note the clouds below.)




Anyway, the splash pad and sand play areas were a big hit, as were the pizza, cake and ice cream. We played some games, had some dress up time, and ran around screaming - at least those of us under 3.5 feet did. One little girl, Sophia, referred to herself and her playmates as "the princesses" constantly the whole time, as in, "Did all the other princesses go that way?"

She was inundated with gifts (nearly one in the mail every day for the week before her birthday) and had a royally good time anticipating her birthday. Thanks to all for helping her celebrate! Leslie even called from the trail, although we were at the party and missed her.

Franz and I got her a purple and blue bike with streamers in the handles. She wears a princess helmet and Care Bear pads whenever she rides it. Too cute!