Adalyn's 3rd Birthday! | Under the Sea birthday party

What's that saying?  "in a blink of an eye"?  That's how I feel like the last 3 years have gone by.  I seriously almost burst into tears putting the number '3' birthday candle in Adalyn's cake at her party.  I just hit me that here she was, A KID, and I could suddenly see all of her future birthday parties...I could see her growing up faster than in a blink of an eye.  I cannot handle the fact that no matter what  do or how much I could try to slow down time, that my Adalyn is growing and growing fast.

Her 3rd birthday party was the perfect celebration of that.  I actually wasn't planning to do a party for her, but then given that Andrew was 'supposed' to be home until August 4th, it seemed silly not to plan one for her.  Of course, as you read about in a previous post, Andrew had to start his new job 2 weeks earlier than expected, so I admittedly scrambled a bit to pull her party off.

We held it at our local Kiwanis park with a "splash and under the sea theme".

I found these favors at Oriental Trading

And everything else was inspired by good old Pinterest!

I had planned to make these cupcakes and cake all from scratch, but that obviously didn't happen.  I settled for our awesome local grocery store, Stew Leonards, and just had then make vanilla and chocolate cupcakes with blue frosting and then a a white sheet cake with blue accents.  All I had to do was decorate which was so much fun!!

Since everything was down to the wire, Andrew stepped up to the plate and made my shark watermelon!!  I think he did a better job than I ever could have.  Love it!  I'm not sure anyone got my "sub"marine sandwiches, but hey, it went with the theme.  I could not have pulled it off without my parents, Andrew's dad and Jill, and my Nonni.   They saved the day and all pitched it to make it a special day for her.

All in all, I think there were close to 60 children and adults at the party and I do know that Adalyn felt loved.  She received some of the most amazing gifts, and friends, if you're reading this, I promise to get on those thank you cards soon.  They were amazing!!

Of course, the lighter that I brought to light her candle didn't work!  She was a great sport about having to pretend to blow them out.

The next day, I realized that I had yet to take some 3yr pictures of miss Adalyn.  Rather than make a crazy attempt at some sibling shots, I grabbed some of just my girl.

My Adalyn.  How has it been THREE years already?  I love these images because they are SO you.  You are the sweetest and most intelligent little girl I have ever met. Your memory is rock solid.  Your reasoning is spot on.  Just the other day, you climbed up on the kitchen counters and were standing on them.  When I told you to get off because it was dangerous and gross, you said, "Well, I can.  Because I'm brave."

Brave you are.  There isn't anything you won't try at least once. You are silly.  You LOVE to sing and dance.  Your favorite things right now are anything that have to do with the movie Frozen.  You quote Elsa like it's your job.  Your favorite food is pasta, with ice cream making close 2nd. You love the water and had your first swim lessons last week.  You are a hugger and hug everyone, even if they don't want a hug and you make a little pouty face if they brush you off.  You can give me quite the attitude and never has the word "threenager" been so spot on.  I love your spiciness though.  It's good for girls to be strong-minded.  You are the best big sister and always willing to help me with baby Eloise.  I love hearing you say, "shhh baby it's ok.  Night night time" when she is crying before bedtime.  I know that you'll always look out for her.  

I love your kisses.  I love your cuddles.  I love those big blue eyes and that auburn hair.  Thanks for being you, and for keeping life fun.   Happy 3rd birthday baby girl!