Zoe's FOUR!

Zoe was very clear about what she wanted for her 4th birthday party. She wanted to have it at "The Wild," she wanted to invite her two best girlfriends and two best boyfriends, she wanted Pirate's Booty, and she wanted a cookie cake.

All very doable. If it were Athena, she would have asked for pony rides and a circus in the backyard and all her classmates having a sleepover. But Zoe's requests were so moderate, how could I not grant her every wish?!

She did not however want one of my themed homespun, at-home birthday parties, with homemade cake and games and crafts and a pretty dress with ribbons in her hair. "No Mommy" she said, "I want you to buy me a cake at the store." And she only wanted it at the bounce house. Oh well, I tried not to pout too much.

We started the day with the traditional birthday breakfast of "Yiayia cake" and presents and a chair decorated with balloons and streamers. Because it was a school day our birthday breakfast had to begin at 6:45 (while it was still dark out!).

Zoe said at breakfast "No pictures today Mommy!"
Yea right, sorry birthday girl, you are not going to win that one.

Zoe has been begging for "high" heels since her sister got some last year. So for her birthday, that wish was granted. Athena had to check to see if her little sister was now her height.

Then she quickly got dressed in her new birthday outfit and went off to preschool.

Her party was scheduled immediately following school. Only her best little buddies were invited, but with siblings and family friends it ended up being 12 kids altogether.

My birthday girl with her two best girlfriends Aubrie and Kendall.

Athena also was allowed to invite one friend. Amelia, of course, was the chosen one and as luck would have it their adorable friend Kevin from preschool (who is going to a different Kindergarten) is the big brother of one of Zoe's friend. He was immediately tackled upon entry.

Meanwhile, the Dude was pretending he was a big kid.

While an actual big kid (Amelia's big brother) was around to pay constant attention to him.

And then there was alot of bouncing
(I can never get great shots at bounce houses).

Back in the party room, Jack and his Mimi were inseparable,

the reunited three musketeers were totally insane,

and our new little four year, true to form, hid behind her cookie cake when everyone sang to her and refused to blow out her candle.

But then she got to open a bazillion presents and all the ickiness about being the center of attention was totally forgotten. It was a lovely day, a lovely party with wonderful friends and my special girl was spoiled beyond belief.

Happy birthday baby girl.
I love you more than mere words can say.