Maidens and Castles: Caleigh is 4!

Several months ago we saw a castle cake in Parenting magazine, and Caleigh said she wanted it for her birthday. So, to avoid the ridiculous princess craze, we had a maiden party, but I couldn't steer clear of it. She ended up receiving princess hair and shoes and costumes and dresses. All the girls made maiden hats, and the boys made knight helmets. I didn't have as many children come as I had planned. Thus, I ended up doing a lot of unnecessary tracing and cutting to prepare for the craft, but the children who did make them seemed to love them. The girls received wands and the boys received foam swords and axes as party gifts.

She was blessed to have a lot of her family come: all of her grandparents, Meme, MawMaw, the Brysons, the Pritchards, Tan, Angie, Cole, and Jess. A few friends from church came too: the Whites, Hoffmans, and Browns. Too bad Aunt Katie was at the lake, Daddy Walt was fishing, and Miss Mac and Granny were recovering from surgeries and breaks. As always I was overwhelmed by all the stuff she received. She loved the clothes, camera, game, KitKats, TAG books, and garden tools. Grandma and Geez-Paw also plan to send her to piano lessons if I ever arrange it (aka have the nerve to make her sit through a lesson at 4). We had asked Caleigh to tell everyone "thank you" for each gift after she opened it. She added the hug to the "thank you." Some people received loving, gentle hugs. Others received tackles. Overall, it was a good party. A little work for mom, but great for Caleigh.

All the girls in their maiden hats. Taylor, Kylee, Caleigh, Sarah, Annika, and Anna

Hanging on Rusty's neck for the sleeping bag we gave her (the only princess item we purchased).

Poppy and Caleigh

Granna downed

Grandma squeezed

Caleigh in front of her cake

The Cake, topped with sugar rolled sugar and waffle cones, spice drops, hearts, and Necco wafers