A Woodland Celebration

Miss Jane had a birthday today. Miss Jane turned five. In honor of her special day, we crafted a woodland themed party and invited five little girls over to celebrate.

After finding some inspirational woodland animal cookie cutters months ago, I've had a grand time coming up with ideas for the day. Upon arrival, the girls busied themselves with gnome coloring pages and taking turns cutting out and be-sprinkling sugar cookies. Choices, choices ... fox, bear, snail, squirrel, and my favorite ... hedgehog.

Into the oven the cookie friends went, to be bagged up once cooled and sent home in their goody bags.

Next came some cozy stories and poems out of a book from my own childhood collection. The illustrations alone send my imagination into a fairyland of it's own. So nostalgic.

We capitalized on a sun break (the rains have returned!) to engage in pinecone spoon races and get a few wiggles out.

We then moved onto craft time. We made mossy pencil holders (oasis foam hot-glued inside Ikea mugs covered with craft moss) to place our toadstool pencils in. I'm not normally very craft-inclined, but this project was awfully fun.

Ahead of time, spray paint wooden craft balls (with dowel hole) a zippy red and hot-glue onto pencils. Allow little fairy girls to paint white toadstool spots upon.

Makes for a good centerpiece decoration, as well!

Now seriously. How cute are these? Into the goodie bags they went alongside the cellophane-bagged cookies, and coloring sheets. Tie on a helium balloon and there you have it. A sweet little thank-you for guests to take home.

And then. The tasties. Neapolitan ice cream with chocolate sprinkles in punch cups. Scoop up prior to party, place on tray, and keep in freezer 'til ready to serve. I am the world's slowest ice-cream scooper, so this time-saver strategy is a must.

Alongside the frosty cups, we indulged in mint-spriged water ('cause that's how the fairies drink it) and little bowls of raspberry jelly candies. And of course, cupcakes and candles to make a wish upon. Miss Jane had a twinkle in her eye today. I think she was most pleased.

And see her dress? Another relic from my childhood made by my own sweet mama when I was just Jane's size. Yes, there was much memory making today.

Happy Birthday, Jane. You are so very dear to us.