Pre-Birthday Birthday Party

The day before Emily's birthday, Aunt Sarah came in town to meet Everett...

and celebrate Emily's birthday!
That evening we had a gourmet (har har) meal together...
and surprised Emily with a little party afterwards. Emily was caught off guard and didn't do really well with the overwhelming surprise and attention at first.
Soon enough though she was well acquainted with the balloons and HAPPY to see them!
Daddy didn't feel that it would be a proper party without also having hats,

and blowers.
They were a good distraction while we prepared for the cake's entrance.



Then, Emily was presented with some princess plates and immediately started asking everyone which princess plate they would like. We had to insist that she pick hers first - she chose Tiana because Tiana wears a green dress and green is Emily's favorite color.
Before I was able to cut the cake, Emily was removing and munching on the Oreos...
and she continued to do so throughout the cake service. Good thing she didn't lose a finger with that knife!
Don't worry though, those cookies did not spoil her appetite for cake ice cream!
I mean, really. I am quite confident she would have been able to handle even more!