4th Birthday Celebrations

For Layla's 4th birthday this year, we decided to do something a little different. So I made reservations for a Disney character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare inside the Grand Floridian hotel. I decided not to tell her and let her be surprised. We got up yesterday morning and started getting ready. She was kinda grumpy, as you can see.

After we turned off onto the Disney exit, she started to perk up. We passed under the big sign welcoming you to Disney, then we drove by Hollywood Studios (MGM). By this point, she was busy looking out the windows to see what she could see. It wasnt long before we found the hotel.

Now she was all smiles. She knew we were eating breakfast, but didnt know about the characters. Here is she is waiting in the lobby for our table. This is a beautiful hotel. I would love to be able to stay there one day!

As soon as we walked in, there was Pooh. Her face just lit up. Then she spotted Tigger, Alice & The Mad Hatter. We told her this was her surprise and she just giggled. She was so excited! Check out the Mickey waffles!

As we ate, the characters started coming by. First was Tigger. I think she enjoyed him the most.

Next came Mary Poppins. This was her first time meeting her. She was all smiles.

Soon after that, one of the cast members came ou with a giant cupcake, crown and placemat for her. She clapped and yelled and got everyone's attention to let them know it was her birthday. They had the whole place clapping and singing along. I wish I had a picture of her face when it started. I dont think she has ever smiled so big.


Next we got to see Pooh Bear. For some reason she turned kind of shy with him, even though she met him last year at Disney. This was as close as she got.



The last characters we got to meet was Alice & The Mad Hatter. They were pretty funny to listen to! But I think he kind of freaked her out.

So we managed to get Alice alone...

We stopped at the gift shop afterwards and the girls (that is her favorite cousin, Catlain) got chocolate Mickey pops. They love chocolate!

This and an old white car were parked out where the valet parking & monorail stops.

Overall, it was great. Definatly something we will do again!! If you ever come to Disney or live in the area, I think you should give character dining a try!

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Today was Layla's 4th Birthday. Where does the time go? I know every mom says this, but I cannot believe she is already 4. My baby isnt a baby any more.

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When Iasked her what she wanted to do for her party, she said Hannah Montana. That was pretty much out of the blue. She had never really mentioned her or payed much attention to her before, but I said OK, and started planning. We had her party today. She told me afterwards that this was her "best party ever". So I guess I did good!

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Here is her cake. I took the Wilton cake decorating class, but only course 1 so far. But I think it turned out okay.

Here's a shot of the living room before the party.

I got Layla all dressed up like a pop star. I found a Hannah Montana clip-on hair thing at Walmart, she just loved that. And I put pink glitter in her hair. She was pretty eager to pose!

Here she is on her stage that Daddy built. We had a karaoke machine out there for the kids to sing on. It took a bit to get anyone to do it, but finally they started to sing.

The boys getting in on the action...

Time for cake and ice cream!! In the beginning of the week, I made "ice cream stars" instead of doing scoops at the party. I let the ice cream sit out and soften up, and then spooned it into silicon pans and froze it again. They popped right out and turned out really cute!

Time for presents!!

And after the party... the mess wasnt too bad!

It was a good day, but I am glad they are both in bed. I am ready to relax! Happy Birthday Baby, I mean, Big Girl!

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P.S., is anyone out there? Drop me a line, I love reading your comments!