now she is four
Ah, to be four! Old enough to fully understand the concept of a birthday party and young enough to be totally thrilled by it. Stella had a marvellous time. This year’s birthday dress is Simplicity 3900, view C (the pattern is now out of print).
Stella chose the fabrics herself. The blue is a stretch woven seersucker type of fabric from the Darn Cheap $2 per metre table. The cream lace came from Spotlight. The front placket was tricky to assemble; it could have been done quite differently and more neatly if I hadn’t followed Simplicity’s instructions. They weren’t simple.
There is the requisite bow that ties at the back, which helps a lot with fitting. I made size 3 for Stella, and it’s pretty roomy. Lots more wear ahead from this dress! The pattern has a number of sleeve, neckline and skirt options – you can find reviews of this pattern on Pattern Review.
It was a traditional “at-home” party with a beading activity on arrival while Stella opened her presents, followed by a magic show in the garage courtesy of Clare and her dad, then pass the parcel, musical statues, and pin the horn on the unicorn.
Then it was time for the party food – chips, fairy bread, home-made sausage rolls (thanks Mum!), chicken drumettes, cup cakes, dip, cheese and crackers, then finally the most amazing cake!
I got clever this year and acknowledged that my skills are in sewing, not in baking, so I outsourced the cake to a dear friend. Jane made the most wonderful Dora cake and Stella was absolutely delighted. “It’s SO pretty!”
So a wonderful day was had by all – 17 children and possibly the same number of adults. I am not a natural hostess and generally find occasions quite stressful but once people had begun to arrive we all had a marvellous time. The party continued on after the cake for another hour or so with the kids taking advantage of the fine weather – cold, but not windy – and they played on the swingset and in the cubby house until it was time for party bags and home. Stella fell asleep the moment her head touched the pillow last night.
Happy 4th birthday my beautiful little dancing girl. You are just gorgeous and so precious. Your energy and enthusiasm are exhausting yet exhilarating. Life with you isn’t always easy but it is definitely interesting. I love watching you grow up and marvel at how you are developing. I want to savour every moment yet also can’t wait to see what you become. Now you are four.
She can’t be FOUR???
Where did the years go??
What a gorgeous, delightful young girl she is growing in to. Hats off to you, Lara! And Happy Birthday, Stella!
(And I really want to watch Clare’s magic show!)
Happy birthday Miss Stella. Great dress and that cake was amazing
Happy Birthday Stella – what an amazing cake!
Happy happy birthday to one of the sweetest four year old girls going around.
Aw happy birthday to your big 4 year old! We were over your way for a 3rd birthday this morning, must be the season for it. The dress is so pretty. A little bit Alice in wonderland.
Happy Birthday to Stella! Doesn’t she look lovely in that wonderful dress!
So sorry I forgot that I was working (!!) and thank you for taking on my girl and letting her Daddy run off and hide (I think to the bright lights of our local shopping plaza…).
I shall look forward to seeing you and your gorgeous 4-year-old very soon!
Happy birthday Stella!!
Love your pretty dress and your amazing Dora Cake.
My little girl will be quite jealous … so I might not show her the photos 😉
Andi x
Congratulations on a big and great girl and an awsome mom!!!
The dress is charming and remind me of a princess!
Pretty Dress. Beautiful girl! Happy Birthday Stella!
Wow! Four already! She looks so cute in her birthday dress! Love the party magicians too.
Oh look at that amazing magic show! Happy birthday to Stella, she looks pretty happy. I wish my girl was into that Dolly Varden style cake, I think I have missed my chance to make one!
She looks adorable, Happy Birthday Stella.