Jaden's Royal Birthday Ball - Part 2

In case you missed part one, it is here!  That was when J celebrated her 5th birthday with her friends.  In our family, we do two parties; one with friends and one with family.  This is Jaden's family celebration!

Again, the theme was, "ALL the Princesses!"

Mom and I came up with the invitation.  She cut the castle out on her Cricut.

"From Under the Sea

to high in the sky on a

Magic Carpet Ride,

we invite

The Fairest of Them All

to Be Our Guest at

Jaden's Royal Birthday Ball"

A printable version of the invitation is available in my Etsy store.

My family is pretty big.  When we have birthday parties, I count on feeding around 25 people.  I like to coordinate the food with the party, so Jaden and I did our research (watched a LOT of princess movies and read a TON of princess books!) and found a food that represented each of the ten Disney Princesses! For a printable version of my recipes, click the recipe title link before the pictures!

First was Sleeping Beauty.  This was a tough one, but Jaden ultimately decided that because Princess Aurora pricked her finger on the spinning wheel on her 16th birthday, the birthday cake would be fitting for her!

I made a four-layer (white and chocolate) cake and frosted it with strawberry icing

Princess Mulan brought Chinese Firecrackers to the party!

We had Indian Corn to represent Pocahontas!

This is the best corn casserole recipe ever! I've made it several times since J's party and it's been a huge hit!

Tiana brought her famous Louisiana Soup all the way from the big easy!

We went under the sea to find shrimp cocktail to represent Ariel.

Gramma J made cheeseball mice in honor of Cinderella's friends, Jaq and Gus!

Recipes: Herb Cheeseball, Ham and Pineapple Cheeseball

We made an apple salad for Snow White. At Jaden's request, we didn't use poisonous apples!

We twisted bread dough to make Rapunzel's bread braids! (I used Pillsbury breadsticks.)

Jasmine brought some Golden Wafers from her Arabian castle.

Remember the dinner scene in Beauty and the Beast? That's where we got the idea for Belle's Be Our Guest Punch!

Printable versions of the food tents are available in my Etsy store.

Our party guests loved the variety of foods!

This was our last birthday party at our Bolton Drive home.

At each of the girls' birthday parties, we always have a signature photo frame for our guests to sign. This is a great keepsake that can be included in the girls' scrapbooks!

Four generations on my Dad's side.

Jaden received lots of cool gifts!  She appreciated the kindness that her guest showed :o)

Taylor even got a couple of new toys!

Uncle Shane-O got J the Rapunzel wedding ensemble!  She was so excited to wear her "married dress!"

Jaden had a wonderful party!

She is already planning for her sixth birthday!!

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I will be linking this party to the linky parties listed below, Disney Family, and Pinterest!

Princess paper dolls were found here.

Invitation and food tent printables are available here.

Linked to:

Market Yourself Monday at Sumo's Sweet Stuff

Making the World Cuter Monday

Motivate Me Monday at Keeping it Simple

It's Party Time at It's So Very Cheri

Anti-Procrastination Tuesday at New Nostalgia

Handmade Tuesdays at Ladybug Blessings

Show Me What Ya Got at Not Just a Housewife

Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts

We Did It! Wednesday at Sew Much Ado

Works-For-Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family

Why Disney and their Princesses are now on my naughty list - UPDATED WITH LONGER VIDEO

Oh Disney... I hate to break it to you, but you've really burned a bridge with me.  I thought we were BFFs!  What you have done has not only disappointed me, but will most definitely disappoint my girls, especially Jaden.

You see, Jaden has asked Santa for a TON of princess toys for Christmas.  I had a little chat with the big guy and he tells me that she will be making out rather well.  But, after his elves had already finished their toy making, you decided to put a new commercial on TV.

UPDATE: CLICK HERE for the longer video. (Will open in new window)

(Actually, even though the new commercial is aired during every single break on Disney Junior and Nick, I can't find it online.  It shows each princess in her room, not just three of them.  Here is the shorter version.)



So, you can see why I'm stuck.  Jaden really wants this stupid castle!  It was the very first thing she asked Santa for when we visited him at the mall.  But, like I said, the elves are already done making her toys and probably already spent too much elf money as it is.  I'm pretty sure they can't afford the extra 150 elf dollars that is needed to make this castle.  How do I break it to J on Christmas morning because I'm sure she will be disappointed... Santa always leaves them a letter next to his empty cookie plate.  Should he explain his lack of a castle?  I'm pretty sure she'll notice an almost 4' tall castle is not in her house.  Thanks so much Disney.  If you would have put that commercial on in say, like maybe August, the elves would probably have taken advantage of north pole layaway and not gotten some of the other gifts.  On the other hand, should Santa pull some strings and try to get the elves to return some already made presents and try to find time to make this castle?  Time's a tickin', people!  What's a mom to do?

"Mommy's a PRINCESS!"

You bet she is ;o)

It's no secret that Jaden is obsessed with all things princess.  Taylor is quickly catching on.  She gets so excited about her princess potty seat and squeals, "ESS!  ESS!"  Which means, princess.  I'm telling you, from potty seat to toothbrushes and toothpaste to underpants to books and toys... You name it and the girls have it princessified.

Another thing that is the product of a slight obsession of someone in our house is photos!  We have them everywhere!  Put two and two together and you can imagine Jaden's excitement when she sees her own mom dressed like a princess!  Yes, J has discovered our wedding pictures.  I think she first started in on my single day of princesshood during the time of the royal wedding.  She watched Kate get married and was told, "Look!  It's a real princess!  She's getting married!"  So ignites the princess wedding spark. 

I few weeks back, Jaden made an announcement, "Guess what I did at Annie's today!  I danced with Shawn.  You know why?  Because we got MARRIED!"  Hmm.  Well.  First of all, thanks for not even inviting your own MOM to your wedding, and second... really?... If you know Jaden, you know how she latches onto her current fad and doesn't let up!  She is all about weddings and princesses and getting married. 

The other day, I wore a strapless maxi dress to work.  Jaden saw me that morning and said, "Wow Mom, I like your dress!  Is that your wedding dress?!"  Not exactly, kid... Although I'm sure the father of this bride would have loved to pay for a dress from Old Navy over my actual wedding dress :o)  That's when I decided, it's time to break that bad boy out.  It has not seen the light of day since I stuffed it into the garment bag the morning after my royal wedding.  I am not getting rid of it though because I think it would be really cool to incorporate a piece or two into each of the girls' bridal ensemble some day (far down the road... if I get invited...) 

Bring it on!  The princess wedding parade :o)

"Jaden, look at Mommy!"

Don't mind the huge stain on the front... Like I said, it hadn't seen daylight since my wedding day!

I would also like to mention that this Friday is the FIVE YEAR anniversary of the day that Mike and I said, "I do!"  (or was it, "I will"?  I can never remember)  We are celebrating with a dinner and movie out with no little ones!  I'm sure it will be just as blissful as that day, five years ago.  We also have a little something special planned for Sunday :o)  Just wait!  Happy anniversary week, Mike!  Cheers to more love-filled years :o)