Malena’s birthday party was literally thrown together on the way home from the circus.  Can you tell?  We decided to go with the circus theme, and at the end of the party the kids put on a ‘circus’ for us!  Fun was had by all who came, complete with cake, presents, and even pin the nose on the clown! 

Ethan and Emily graced Malena with a Himalayan Cat

Above is Hannibal, named after Hannibal the elephant in the fabulous book we read Elephant Run.  He was a gift from Gramma and Gramps, and you may have picked him out at the circus!

Anna and Caroline gave Malena some cutie pie Webkinz clothes, and my favorite thing— MOON SAND!  (we call it Floor Grit in our house) But, Lisa did have a great suggestion that I took—nice weather, OUTSIDE it goes!!  :)  Regardless, the kids LOVE it!

Could it be?  Yep, another Webkinz!  This one from Ashley and Alex is the brown dog.  Malena was thrilled to know she got the jacket too!!  In our house, one can never have too many Webkinz.  I think she got 8 total, many from us!

The night before her birthday I took her BFF Olivia and her to Build A Bear Workshop.  We had a nice dinner at Glory Days and then headed to the mall for the kids to make their best friends animals.  Malena’s Grandma had given her a gift certificate to there, and she was so happy to use it!  She named her elephant Ringling—after the circus she was about to go see on Friday.  Olivia named her dog Shasta.  They had a great night!

The big gift from Mom and Dad was a new bike.  While she has mastered the actual riding part, the stopping, starting, breaking and steering are all a little bit of a problem still.  After a few ‘near death experiences’ she has put it on the back burner—-but I have news for her, as soon as April showers are over...she is getting back in the saddle so to speak! 

 

Overall it was a great birthday!  It began on her Birthday Eve with a trip to Build A Bear, followed by a family day at the circus, lunch at her favorite restaurant “The Golden Crown”  (come on Beth...what is it REALLY called?) and a small party at home with close friends. 

We closed out the evening with the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks...but, I don’t think to this moment she’s seen the entire movie.  Clearly, she didn’t make it THAT night!  Thanks to all who helped her celebrate her full and special day!