A Very Special Day

Ashlyn turned three yesterday - can you believe it?! Brian took the day off work and we had such a fun day together. Ashlyn's day started with a brief stop to aunt Mindy's house. Mindy, Madi, and Maya greeted Ashlyn with a "Happy Birthday" sign, balloons, and a "Happy Birthday to you...". Then it was off to preschool. For most people, going to school or work on your birthday is no fun, but it's a different story for a three year old. She was the VIP for the week and was so happy to be the "special helper" on her special day. I also sent a yummy birthday treat for her class - zingers. Ashlyn later informed me that she did not like them. Crazy kid. Serioulsy, what kid doesn't like zingers?

After preschool we met up with some cousins at Chuck E. Cheese. Good times had by all.

After Chuck E. Cheese, we headed home so Ashlyn could finally see her "big surprise". She had been locked out of her room since Saturday and couldn't wait to finally see what was going on in there. This is what we had been up to:

Since I didn't find out the sex of my baby when I was pregnant with Ashlyn, we had painted the room a neutral green and I had planned on decorating accordingly after the baby was born. Well, after three years, I was tired of the green and I really hadn't done much with the room. I decided that it was high time Ashlyn to had a "little girl room" and what better time to do it than for her birthday.

I took "before" pictures, but can't seem to locate them. So just believe me when I say that her room before was BLAH!

We did the project as cheaply as we could. The daybed is my old bed that we freshened up with a new coat of paint. Even the bed spread is an old one of mine, but I did add some new pillows. I got the idea for the tent from here, but I didn't want to spend the $$$, so I made my own for 1/2 the price. The only thing I had to buy for the button butterfly pictures was the fabric. And the butterflies that we hung from the ceiling I had purchased two years ago for Ashlyn's first birthday party. I did also buy new curtains and the shelf above her dresser. Even though we reused/recycled and handmade most of her new room, I think it turned out pretty cute. And what did Ashlyn think?

Yep, she was pretty happy with it - even though her big surprise wasn't a "new blue pony" like she had guessed.

We had 'breakfast' for dinner - Ashlyn's favorite - and then, thanks to uncle Marty, we went to see some horses! This was probably the highlight of her entire day and she wasn't shy at all. She feed them carrots and rode on one by herself!

Brian and I have a small 2nd job on Wednesday nights, so we sadly had to leave Ashlyn for an hour with Grandpa - she didn't mind at all. When we came back, we had cupcakes and milk, and Grandmom gave her a couple presents. Finally, at the end of her special day, Ashlyn got a "new blue pony". Lucky girl.

We are having her party tomorrow night - can you guess the theme?