We began the birthday festivities a few days in advance with an afternoon of cookie decorating where we made treats for Lauryl's Marching Monkey friends. It amazes me how good Lauryl is with the sprinkles. When Kendyl was this age she dumped them in clumps, whereas Lauryl spreads the carefully around the cookie taking great care to cover her decorating surface evenly.
Here she is with her finished product!
I had to laugh when her teacher told me about a funny realization that she had on the day that I sent her treats...she had Lauryl's birthday listed as August and had been so confused when I dropped off b-day invites for a party in October. She had convinced herself that maybe I just really was that behind in the game. She felt terrible and made sure to add a cake to the class calendar board and update her wall display!
On Lauryl's actual birthday it was gorgeous outside, so we headed off for an afternoon at the zoo. Lauryl wasn't really feeling it, but we still had a pretty good time.
My cutie striking a pose
Enjoying some time at the petting zoo
And most importantly, devouring her b-day treat of choice
We then snuck in a quick visit to grandma so she could see her grandbaby open her gifts and give her a birthday squeeze.
The birthday evening consisted of a trip to Red bird with mommy, daddy, sis, and Aunt Mindi! Mindi made Lauryl's day by giving her her much coveted Ladybug pillow pet (pic courtesy of Min's Droid)!
After dinner we came home and let Lauryl open her presents from us, but not without sneaking in some family photos first!!
I adored watching Lauryl open her gifts, her reactions were priceless!
True surprise when she opened her remote control Strawberry Shortcake,
happiness when she opened and presented her Strawberry Shortcake figures,
and applause when she saw her new memory game!
Yep, I'd say the birthday girl had a pretty good day!
