I'm not sure Laurie realized what hosting this party at her house would entail, but she acted like it was easy for her. And her yard was such an ideal place to have it. 
One thing about it....these ladies were the HAPPIEST helpers (as were some of the other girls in the neighborhood that helped set up/played with the bunnies before the party--at church the next morning all of these 10 years olds ran up asking me if I liked my surprise party and telling me what they helped with).
Yah. I said bunnies. Brittany got 9! bunnies that were running around while we played croquet-think "little white rabbit" (the crazy said she tried to get hedge hogs, too-remember, that's what the queen of hearts plays croquet with?). My boys were so happy to be in on the fun. They got to play before going to sleep for a slumber party at Laurie's while we partied.
If you've never had a monte criste sandwich, you need to try it sometime. or maybe don't- maybe one of the best/unhealthiest things i've ever had...it's a triple layered club sandwich, dipped in batter and deep fried, sprinkled with powdered sugar than dipped in (homemade) grape jelly. WAY better than it sounds. Is it funny that the thing I was thinking about while I ate it was "This white bread can not be good for me."?
Dessert Table
These were HOMEMADE macaroons. one of my very favorite desserts. Laurie had a friend make them. She is an amazing cook and it still took her 4 months! to master making macaroons. maybe I need to kick that off my "things i want to learn to do" list.
have you noticed that the chargers under the plates are squares of SOD? and the dyed mushrooms everywhere? There were big hats for the boys and little mini hats for the ladies....that brittany and the ever creative Heidi made with Heids' mounds of trim (from her headbands)
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| Heids got a box of vintage clocks off Craig's list that they painted and decorated. un believeable. |
My friend Jason, above in the white, is a photographer. He happened to have his camera in his car and majority of these pics (any good ones) came from him. My biggest regret is that I don't have a picture of him in his seersucker suit-complete with bow tie (invite said to wear tea party attire).
Chloe was so proud that she helped sew some of the card garland. Can you believe how many vintage keys and keyholes?? all just one of Brit's random collections.
we got a little goofier with each passing hour...i think we just didn't want to leave.
because I wasn't in on the dress code, I kinda liked my mad hatter look (the jonny depp one).
Then I realized that Brittany is the true mad hatter. seriously.
take another bow Brit, because not only was that a great shot.....but you just threw the most amazing party ever. THANK YOU!! LOVE YOU!!
(if you need a party planner or graphic designer, you really should hire her.
The work she does is unreal.)
The smartest person of all, was Laurie. She capitlized on the whole thing being set up. First, she hosted us and Craig's parents for sunday dinner the next day-out on the spread that was still up. Then she hurried and put together an invite to all Chloe's friends and had her "un-Birthday" party a month early-2 days after my party. I went and helped Chloe picked an outfit, did her nails and her hair. (have i mentioned I want a girl?)
These ladies LOVED their tea party. i'm so happy Laurie did this.
And i'm so happy i got all these pics up (sorry there were SO many-hope you didn't look at them all)
