Sophie and Blake: Sophie the Explorer's Party

Last year, we had a small birthday party to celebrate Sophie's 2nd birthday and to be honest, I was a little nervous to throw one for her 3rd birthday but all her little friends were having birthday parties and this year, she actually understood what was happening, practiced singing "Happy Birthday" and blowing out her birthday candle for weeks before. She talked about it and just couldn't wait ... and it was totally worth it. Just to see Sophie feel so celebrated and have her know that she is special, made it worth it.

So for her 3rd Birthday, Sophie had a "Dowa dee Explowa" (or Dora the Explorer) party. In the weeks before, I tried hard to convince her that a Princess party was the way to go ... but she was not to be convinced so we went Dora all the way ... starting with the invite.

We decided this year to go to an indoor playground (Joey's Gym) where we had been 2 times before for different friends' birthday party. It was great because it was a contained space and all the parents felt safe enough to let the kids party and the parents got to socialize.

I desperately tried to convince Sophie that a Princess party was the way to go but she insisted that for her third birthday, she wanted a "Dowa dee Explowa" (or Dora the Explorer) party. And this year, we decided to try out an indoor playroom (Joey's Gym) instead of having the party at our house ... it just seemed easier that way.

And thankfully, this mama has AMAZING friends who are SO creative. My dear friend, Cora, made an amazing Dora cake (thank you, thank you Cora!) that never, ever in my life could I create something so fabulous and friends like Sarah (thank you, thank you) who brought a super yummy fruity treat. For weeks before, I'd ask Sophie who was bringing her cake and she'd respond, "Auntie Cowa is making Sophie a Dowa cake". She was so excited. And she practiced over and over and over again blowing out the candles so how could I resist, giving her everything she wanted ... just for one day! My friend Paige (thank you, thank you!) has this amazing business (called Buggy's Basement) and she created Dora magic ... "Backpack" Favor Bags, a Dora Centerpiece and a Sophie Birthday Banner.

Dora "Backpack" Favor Bags
Are they not the sweetest things you've ever seen?

Sophie's Dora Centerpiece
At a glance, Sophie thought Dora was me ...
It's true, I have been mistaken for Dora ... what an honor! :)

Sophie's Birthday Banner

Sophie has some pretty amazing friends ...
Kylie, Kylie's mommy
(my good friend, Christine) and baby brother, Brady
drove all the way from Orange County just to come to
help celebrate ... Sophie was so excited to see her long-
lost best friend!

It may have been a few months since they last saw each other
but they'll always be best friends!

Ollie!!!!

Playtime!
Rhiannon, Kylie, Sophie, Desmond, Brileigh,
Meredith, Vesta and Anabelle

Who's birthday is it ...
SOPHIE'S!!!!

Birthday FUN!

Lift your leg up!!!

The BIRTHDAY girl!!!

Climbing, climbing ...
my brave Birthday girl!

Hanging!
Kylie, Rhiannon and Sophie

Climbing!

While the kiddos play ...
the parents EAT!
We had Chinese Chicken Salad from Feast from the East.
Chicken nuggets from Chick fila
Cheese Popcorn
Sarah's Fruit Yumminess!

Blake's little girlfriend, Eloise, pulled up to standing
for the first time while we were there ... isn't she so cute!

Little Brother, Blake, was loved on by
Grand Auntie Elaine and Pau Pau during the party ...
he was in heaven!

Blocks!!!

Cora made Dora cupcakes for the kiddos ...
they were SO good!

I love this photo ...
I told Sophie weeks beforehand that Cora was making her birthday cake ....
but when she saw it, I think she could hardly believe it was all for her!
And how beautiful of a cake it was!