Party Planning

The planning has begun for Ellie's two-year-old birthday party to be held the end of this month. Last year, she had only been home five months and we just didn't want to overwhelm her with a big party with all the people we wanted to invite. This year, we can.

That being said, consider this your invitation to her party. If you want the details of where and the time, email me. We would LOVE to have you. We are telling people no presents. I know this will go right through the ears of some -- I know you all -- but Ellie TRULY needs nothing. I am currently in conversation with John Wright, whose family is about to head back to Kyrgyzstan to work for several months, to see what dreams we might be able to fulfill. So, if anyone wants to make a donation to those efforts in lieu of a gift, that is perfectly fine as well. We will let you all know what that effort will be as soon as we feel "led" toward a particular thing. Some of the "dreams" we've considered are a birthday party at the orphanage, blankets for the orphanage, mattresses, fruit parties at the orphanage. The problem is, there are so many needs.

Ellie's party theme this year is, surprise, DORA. All things are Dora at our house 24/7 right now. We'll be driving down the road and hear her go, "Hey, hey" singing the theme song. I'm tossing around food ideas -- I thought maybe we'd go with some stations: maybe a Mexican station with chips, salsa, sour cream and cheese, maybe some quesadillas, maybe a Mexican dip and then maybe a "Sundaes on Sunday" station with ice cream to go with the cake. This is all still in the planning stages. We have the most FABULOUS cake being made by a friend at our church. Her cakes are always beautiful AND taste great. I can't wait to see it!!

The picture above is what I sent her for a sample of a cake I like.

I also found a cute little "party favor" bag idea. You take a paper bag, spray paint it with purple and then paint on eyes and a mouth to resemble the "backpack" on Dora.

Another friend from church is making Ellie a Dora dress to wear. I found one that is really cute, but I'm not sure if I can find a pattern for it, so ... who knows. Either way, I'm certain whatever N. does will be adorable.

This is a photo of the one I like.

And, of course, Kevin and I are pondering a "Dora style" adventure for the party too. Should be great fun!! Swiper, no swiping!! Hope to see you there!