With a summer birthday, we found an open weekend to host Eleri’s birthday party. Since we are leaving the school year early for Jenna’s wedding, April was the only open weekend. The beginning of May was Spring break and we needed to have Emersyn’s birthday party before we left for the summer. April 12 is the same day of the month as August 12 – close enough!

The morning began with frosting the chocolate cakes for the party. My little helpers were busy cleaning the beaters – always their job.

After finishing the preparation of all the party food of cakes, fairy breads, hot dogs and other finger foods, Eleri opened her birthday presents. She really doesn’t understand that it isn’t officially her birthday for another four months.

An American Doll for Eleri. She loves Emersyn’s American Girl, Niki. Now, Eleri has the doll of 2008, Mia. Emersyn got Niki for her birthday when she turned seven. Being the younger sister, Eleri got her doll turning four. The way of life as the little sister.

Eleri was thrilled that the doll was HER Doll!

We booked the bbq pit over the sand playground. It is perfect for a kid’s party with the children playing on the equipment and in the sand. Since she doesn’t have certain friends she plays with, we invited the class of 20 children. In addition, she invited a few extra playmates – Caspar, Bonnie and James. Good thing it is an outdoor party with room to run and play. At this age, the party included two parents – 20 kids = 40 parents. We are glad to have the red wagon to drag all the food, beers and drinks over to the sand playground.

The children started off with party food.

Then, they were down playing in the sand. I had buckets and shovels for each child. It was part of their party bag to take home.

Eleri was excited about her cake. I think she was more excited to blow out the candles.

It was a fun first friends birthday party for Eleri. Now that she goes to school, she has friends to join her in the celebration of her birthday.