The Van Niel Family Adventures: Olivia's Birthday Party

We finally celebrated Olivia's 4th birthday today! Originally, the party was planned for May 7th and Nanna, and Auntie Jordan came to celebrate that weekend with us but unfortunately the party was cancelled because the flu hit our home. Olivia had been anticipating this day with such excitement especially since we started planning the day after Kaleb's birthday in February. She picked out the theme - pink dinosaur. Which I just loved because dinosaurs still continue to be her biggest interest. But also, because I knew this was going to be an original theme and I'd get the chance to get creative. She helped me plan out each detail and even helped me through the crafts! We had so much fun planning this amazing party!

The morning of the party Olivia woke up so excited she immediately wanted to get her dinosaur dress that Nana made "special for her party". It's an adorable pink dress with a t-rex wearing a crown. How appropriate for Olivia and the event.

We invited Olivia's friends from preschool and a few of our closest friends outside of school. We were extremely sad that Daddy, Nana, Auntie Jordan, nor Satya could be here to celebrate with us!

Party Details: We started the party with a craft, decorate the stegosaurus. The kids were given markers, glitter paints, and foam letters. Then once the kids were finished with their craft I had each one of the kids step into our photo booth for a photo opportunity with their favorite dinosaur mask. Then we had a dinosaur dig. The kids were amazed to find "real" dinosaur bones (that Olivia, Kaleb and I made out of molds and plaster of paris). Kaleb and Sarah the older kids of the party were the dig experts. Sarah found 11 bones. They were kind and put back some bones for the younger kids to be able to find some. The dig was a big hit! The kids kept coming back to the dig site after they completed other activities. Then we had lunch all of Olivia's favorite foods- dino chicken nuggets, and a few variety of sandwiches nutela, turkey, and pbj, fruit kabobs, chips, pink lemon aid and strawberry lemon aid. For the adults I made a few of my favorite foods, chicken salad,croissants, pear and blue cheese salad, fruit. Then after lunch we made bracelets which even the boys had fun making. We finished the party off with a dino pinata which the kids loved. And then the finale the cake. Olivia had a blast hanging out with her friends, sharing her home, her party and activities with each one of her guests.

Some of the guest stayed a little longer and played in the sandbox together. Then Olivia opened her gifts. She loved each and every gift she got and was extremely gracious in thanking her guest.

The party was a success! What fun to turn four! And even more fun to have such an amazing little girl and make her day so extra special for her.

Here are a few of the 250+ pictures taken of the day.