Sifted: Alice's Birthday Party No. 3 | Bubbles, Brunch, & Bouncing

Another party (or two) is in the books!

Last Friday night, we invited family to celebrate Alice's birthday and it was quite a crowd! I made Irish Whiskey Espresso Brownies and Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread and served them along with ice cream and toppings. My Aunt Brenda sewed Alice a party dress and kitty ears (so stinkin' cute). We opened presents and laughed and chatted til everyone had their fill and headed home. We are so blessed to live close to so much of our family. Food, love, friends, and family...that's all you need, right?

Saturday, we hosted a party for Alice and all of her/our friends. I think we have figured out our style - good food and good company. No decorations, just a clean, spacious home and a table laden with brunch. The theme? Alice.

For fun, we borrowed our little friend's bounce house again (thank you, Libby!) and the night before my mom had given Alice a bubble gun. The kids ran around the back yard and played to their heart's content, jumping and shrieking, chasing and blowing.

Here's a peak into the magic...

fruit, Cheesy ham and hash brown casserole, brownies, zucchini bread, and Strawberry Buttercream Cupcakes

(THE BEST CUPCAKES EVER. Thank you, Martha, as always.)

milk and vietnamese iced coffee

JD was in charge of drinks :)

(In other news, I've lost 50 pounds! Back in the land of pre-pregnancy weight. It took 8 months instead of 6 this time, but I'm finally there!)

birthday Alice in her new dress and kitty ears

Aunt Brenda was so fun and let me pick out fabric, buttons, and the pattern. I can't use a sewing machine to save my life, but I can envision what a cute dress would look like! Thank you, Aunt Brenda - it is really the sweetest dress in the world and I might have to frame it when she grows out of it. The pan collar and kitty ears just about do me in. And thank you, Gramma Alice, for the sweet little bracelet the night before!