Super-mega picture post...and only two weeks late

I suppose I better put up pictures from Gabby's birthday party, seeing as how it was ages ago!

This year's party was fabulous! We had it at our favorite play place...Paradise Pond in Grapevine. It really couldn't have been more ideal...kids of all ages were entertained with their MANY toys and activities, our party coordinators were tremendously helpful and made it easy for us to enjoy the party without sweating the details, parties are private so we got the entire place to ourselves, and parents got to relax and talk while kids played. I am just so thrilled with how the party turned out, and SO glad I had this brainstorm way back in August.

A side note...if anyone is thinking about booking a party there, BOOK EARLY, they fill up quickly! In August the idea to have our party there popped in my head, and I called the party director just to ask a few questions. She told me she was already starting to book weekend parties in FEBRUARY, so if I wanted to have my pick of dates and times, it would be best to reserve it right then. I am so glad I did, because it really did turn out well. I think all of our guests had a great time, and I KNOW Gabby had the time of her life.

Here we are before the party started...Gabby took full advantage of the non-line for the roller coaster...her favorite activity.

Jackson arrived, so it was time to race! His mom is Shashawn, a co-worker.

Despite all of the "flashier" activities, Gabby was quite content for much of the morning to play with all of the Dora dolls. Oh, and you can see she has already stripped off her adorable tutu...it lasted about 10 minutes. I think 2 guests actually got to see the fabulous birthday outfit I planned for her in its complete state.

Here's the big fancy climbing structure and super slide, soon to be teeming with kids (and a few parents!)

Luke, Gwen, Kelli, and my dad shooting hoops. I love how focused Kelli looks here.

Here comes Cannon! Another big attraction was the bounce house with attached slide. The perfect size and speed for 3 year olds.

For whatever reason, we attempted to take a group photo.

Poor kiddos...they could be playing, bouncing, sliding, eating cake...sitting still for a picture was not high on their list of priorities.

At this point my pictures are all out of order. I'm not even going to try to rearrange them because Blogger drives me crazy when I try to drag pictures around.

Lunch time! Party room #1 with David's mom, Gabby, Shashawn and Jackson, Susan and Caitlin, Josie and Olivia.

Now with Ava and my mom in the shot.

Playing in the grocery store area with David's dad:

Here we are back on the roller coaster before the party started.

Wheeeee!!

Gabby and Colin with Erin in the background. At this point, Gabby had latched onto a princess wand she found in the dress-up area. She held onto that thing FOREVER.

This little merry-go-round is so cute. Ava, Izzy, and Riley

Alexander, Colin, and Gabby in the magnet board/dinosaur/pond area. A little random, but always a popular spot.

The childless and well-rested...Emily and my sister, Teri.

Gabby having a picnic with Gwen, Justin, and Ava:

The super speed slide of death! This slide provided much entertainment as we watched both adults and children come FLYING out the end as if being shot out of a cannon. This picture of David has to be one of my all time favorites.

No wonder the base of the slide is surrounded by nets and lined with gymnastics mats.

Christina and Finley

By the way...it was Christina who made Gabby's adorable "3" shirt. You can see photos of her handiwork on her blog or Facebook page.

Here's the Samples family:

Kelli and Luke...another awesome picture:

Rewind...time to sing! They had Gabby stand on a bench behind the front desk, and all of the party guests gathered around the entrance. It was kind of a big crowd from our perspective up front, which is why Gabby has that shy look on her face.

Whoops, caught her hair on fire for a quick second!

Clapping for the birthday girl. I adore her smile in this picture...pure happiness! We get "cheese face" so much in pictures that it is nice to see an authentic smile.

Poor Caden had a rough (tantrumy) morning, so Georgeanne and Matt decided to cut their losses and head out early...but then he realized he was missing out on food and got upset all over again. It is hard being two!

Here we are at lunch again...Party Room #2 with Erin, Kelli and Luke, Finley, Gina, Bart, and the twins, and Christina:

Cupcakes must have been dry because Gabby made a DISASTROUS mess of hers. There was an embarrassingly large pile of chocolate crumbs on her chair and on the floor under her. The leftover cake sure was yummy though...I was way too excited about the large chunk of cake we got to bring home with us.

Melody and Luke with little Giada peeking in the background. Melody was the one who introduced me to the all the great fun at Paradise Pond.

Julie and Giada...she's about to turn 1!

Daredevil Riley coming down the slide:

Jack and Gabby

Craig and Caitlin

I really think this party was the best one yet...party because of the fabulous venue, but mostly because we were surrounded by our families and so many wonderful friends. It was a beautiful, sunny, and FREEZING day; the temperatures were in the teens the night before, and probably weren't higher than the low 20's that morning when the party started. And with the party being in Grapevine (a good meet-in-the-middle place for our Dallas friends and our Ft. Worth friends), it kept anyone from having to make a horribly long drive, but meant that no one had an especially short drive either. To think of all the people who got up early, got out in the freezing cold, and drove 30-ish minutes to come celebrate with us...I am so thankful that Gabby is growing up with so many wonderful friends in her life. This little girl is truly loved!