Well Shannon's birthday celebration is finally complete! After three long weeks she is finally, officially, 6. She had three celebrations, three cakes, and eighteen candles to blow out but eventually she got there just in time for her 11 day spring break to end and for her to head back to school. I think she enjoyed all of the events and all of the gifts she eventually received.
As I have already discussed she had her fairie party with all of her friends. Then last week, on Easter Sunday, we had a Carvel Ice Cream cake when my Dad, step-mother, and youngest brother (Chris), came over for dinner. This past weekend we had the official family party for those family members who could reach our home. My father and his group were back down (sans Chris) with a friend from Oregon, Lisa's parents made it as well, as did Patti and her friend from the convent Barb. It was a nice little get together and Shannon was the recipient of a bunch of nice loot. She got some new clothes, some new bedding, some nice toys, a tinkerbell necklace, and some neat art supplies. As an added bonus both Emily and Shannon got a special treat from my dad and step-mother, Patty.
When Lisa was little she had a step stool that also could act as a small seat. The back folds down over the seat so a little person can more easily carry it. My dad borrowed the stool and managed to duplicate it exactly in size, scale, and shape. He made one for each of the girls. Then Patty brought her decorative painting skills to the table and with the help of all the party goers she managed to transform them into really pretty Tinkerbell and Bambi stools. Lisa's Mom traced the art onto thin vellum, I printed out a bunch of stuff on the computer, Lisa, Patti, Barb, and maybe even Joe all got involved in the painting process, and then Patty put the finishing touches on them that completed the transformation. They look really good. I'll put photos of them up later today (when I am back at home).