Esther's 9th Birthday Party!

Since we don't do friend parties every year, and since I am cultivating my party planning talent, I let Esther choose a theme for her family (and a very few family friends) birthday party this year. She chose Madeleine Hatter from the Ever After High series of books.

I don't really like actual character birthdays so I asked her if it would be okay to do a Mad Hatter-ish type of tea party dinner/party. She was very agreeable to the idea and we started planning. She mostly came up with the menu - though I did direct it in a certain direction.

We pulled out my vintage china and tea cups - because I always love an excuse to use them. Here is Esther directing two of our guests to their seats. Megan, her best friend, and her grandmother, who has become a good friend as well.

We served a yummy tomato and mozzarella salad, complete with lettuce from our garden! It mostly survived the winter.

Mini quiche, banana and peanut butter on croissants, berry salad...

And salami, pear, and sharp Irish cheddar on rustic bread.

Esther and her sweet friend. She is sporting her Madeleine Hatter hat.

Not sure what she wished for, but it sure took her a long time to get through it!!

Scientific experiments from Megan. The Beerers (I forgot to take their picture!!!) gave her books, which she has already devoured, and a chocolate bar, which amazingly she has not yet devoured.

Grandpa and Grandma Brown sent her Josefina, a mini American Girl doll. You can tell she was pretty excited about it.

Jacob being goofy.

And again. He is sporting a cute beach towel from Grandpa and Grandma Janis.

We had a fun evening. In Esther's words it was "the best birthday ever!" We love our sweet and sassy girl who is getting smarter and sassier each day!