Rory's Third Birthday Party

Rory's family and friends celebrated Rory's third birthday on Saturday (two days early).
That morning, Rory awoke to find a few gifts in the family room, including her very own princess chair!
Rory liked having a chair of her own, even if it was just to use it for pre-party meditation in her birthday dress.
Aven was dressed for the occasion as well. Her Opa Paul holds her here, and her Grandma ...
offered her a few kisses throughout the day. Grandma and Opa drove up from North Carolina for the occasion.
Rory gabbed with her Aunts during the party, dishing on all the party guests, including ...
Casey! Her best guy friend from school (really, I don't think it would be proper to call him a boyfriend). The ball pit was a hit.
So was the slide. Here, Aidan chases Rory.
Rory gives her friend Lilly (from school) a push on the swing.
Mommy surveyed the party that she had planned so meticulously, as she was pleased!
We had a great turnout for our backyard "garden party"-themed birthday, with friends from all of our "circles".
One of the highlights of the event was the Mickey Mouse pinata, with Rory's favorite candy inside ... lollipops!
Then, we assembled for the thing that makes a party a birthday party (in Rory's mind, anyway) ...
The birthday cake! Rory surveyed the cake in its chocolate and vanilla majesty, and she was pleased.
Later, Rory opened up a few gifts from her family, who were very generous and thoughful with their presents, including a unicorn from Aunt Jenny. Here, Rory opens her first baseball mitt (pink, natch) from Uncle Allen and Aunt Chelle. Rory also got to play with a new toolkit (like Handy Manny!),
try on unicorn tattoos, and assemble her wooden train set. Merriment abounded. Rory opened gifts from her friends on Sunday, and a few more gifts from her parents on Monday (Here, Rory plays with the big gift from her Mommy and Daddy).