just for the record, that booby picture of me is from last year's party, when she was 4. This is what a 5 year old looks like with a princess-pink-castle cake, decorated as the guests were walking in the house! (mommy was VERY last minute this year)
The Friday night supper/party was strictly grand-parents for dinner, along with cousins for cake afterward. The one exception was Dumpling's friend Cara-Li, who is Journey To Mei-Mei's oldest daughter. They are from the same orphanage, born almost exactly 1 year apart, and by coincidence, living in a neighborhood just a few street over from ours. Susan was the first person to come see me in person when we were waiting for our referral and lent me her travel books when we finally went.
We tried having the girls play together when they were smaller, but Dumpling's French used to keep them from having a good time. This year, things started changing and after a few family get-togethers and an attempt at Mandarin classes, the girls seem really taken with each other. So Cara-Li was Dumpling's one friend at the house on Friday night, and though she was quite excited to play with her older cousins, she really only wanted to talk about Cara-Li afterward.
And the next day, she went to Cara-Li's own birthday party at the build-a-bear place in the old part of town. She had a ball! I think she liked it even better than her own carnival/Purim-themed birthday party at school.
Mostly though, she was so happy to see her 2 days in a row.
She made a pink bear (shocker!) and somehow conned me into making Gigi the Giraffe for BB. And then, she further conned me into buying one outfit per bear/giraffe, and a pair of shoes. I balked at the 20$ shoes, but relented on the ice-skates, because I knew I could never make bear ice-skates. But I have since made diapers, shoes (pink satin and brown fur!) and have a request to make them silk pajamas. If you want a license to print money, open a franchise of that place! The people who go there are GAGA over the concept. And most don't even have kids! Just couples, women..... apparently, Japanese women think nothing of dropping 200$ on bear clothes and accessories!
I'm happy to report that bday-related events are now OVER. She is attending 3 or 4 other parties in the next 2 weeks, but thankfully I don't have to attend any of them. Because I'm tired. It's very very tiring hanging out with 5 and 6 year olds!
A very happy to Dumpling, who looks very princess-y, and whose mom made an *awesome* princess cake!
Posted by: OmegaMom | March 23, 2008 at 10:00 PM
That cake is fabulous. That is definitely one thing that is not one of my strong points! The hamantaschen look good too!
Posted by: PinkDevora | March 23, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I was referring to cake decorating ;)
Posted by: PinkDevora | March 23, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Hi,
I know that Build a Bear is beyond expensive but they donated a TRUCKLOAD of bears to the non-profit agency that I used to work for. Our kids are removed from their homes by Protective Services and sometimes they don't have time to grab their cuddly so when they come to the agency we give them a bear and it makes the whole experience a smidge less scary for them. That is why I have no problem supporting my 5 year old cousins habit every holiday:-)
Posted by: Dee | March 24, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Happy fifth birthday, Dumpling! Can you believe we have 5-year-olds? How on earth did this happen? That picture from the day you met her in the earlier post -- I remember like it was yesterday panting for updates from you from China, and thrilling to those first glimpses of her. Wow.
Posted by: Jen | March 24, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Happy Birthday Dumpling!!! Looks like a great party. I know my 3 year old would have loved it - she's been going around asking everyone to please call her Queen Esther rather than by her given name...and she does rule the house so I guess it's appropriate!lol
Julie
Posted by: Julie | March 24, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Happy Belated. Party looks like fun. Have you guys dug out of the snow yet?
Posted by: Beverly | March 24, 2008 at 09:16 PM
I can not believe that gorgeous cake!
We went to Build-a-Bear for the first time in December and I found it impossible to resist.
Posted by: Carolyn | March 24, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Happy Birthday, Dumpling!
I really like your black dress in the first picture.
Posted by: Mayhem | March 25, 2008 at 02:42 AM
what a gorgeous cake! Please please post some recipes?
Posted by: Wishnik | March 26, 2008 at 08:39 AM