Cupcake Wars 10th Birthday Party

I must start this post by saying that 10 years have gone faster than my mind could have ever imagined.  During those sleepless nights of infancy, you feel like the days creep by and that you will never leave that stage.  In reality, it all passes so, so quickly.  I am so thankful for Kamdyn's 10 years.  We learned together.  I know I made plenty of mistakes along the way as a Mommy and will continue to makes a lot more, but she has taught me so much.  She is the most thoughtful, sweet, humble, reserved, funny, smart, beautiful child.  I don't know how I got so lucky!  I do thank God everyday for this perfectly imperfect creation.  She makes me want to be a better person.  She helps me to be a better person.  Kamdyn Lucy, you are your Mommy's heart.  I love you more than your little mind can fathom.  I hope that you will always put God first, help others,  love yourself, and know how wonderful you are in your Mommy's eyes.  

Enter: Cupcake Wars!

I told myself that I was through with home birthday parties.  Alas, I found myself planning another one for my double digit precious kiddo!  It really wasn't that difficult at all.  I collected all of the ingredients.  Georgia sent her decorating tips and bags.  And, I was all set!

Kamdyn and I created the rules.  Georgia made the AH-Dorable aprons and baker hats.  The teams had two hours to make, back, decorate, and create a display stand for their cupcakes.  I was in disbelief at how well these girls got along and how focused they were on their task.  We had three judging categories: best decorated, best tasting, best overall presentation.  Each team won for one category.

We had our neighbor, Brian, come over from next door to help Richard, Karcie, and myself judge.  It really was a super fun party and the girls had a blast.  We had such a great time enjoying a cupcake that we forgot to sing Happy Birthday to Kamdyn....she didn't even realize it.  :)  We did eventually sing, but it wasn't at the appropriate time.  

Kamdyn has the sweetest little group of friends from both of her elementary schools here in Apex. I am so proud of her for choosing wisely.  Girlfriends are a wonderful thing to have!  I hope she always has special friends in her life to share, celebrate, and laugh with her.

Happy Birthday, Kamdyn!!

Everyone wanted to take home baby sister's cupcakes because she decorated the BEST and had A LOT of stuff on her cupcakes!

I like to refer to this photo as "Dumb and Dumber"

Last Day of Third Grade!

I still can't believe that my first baby is finished with 3rd Grade.  It makes me sad on one had, but so very proud on the other.  She is the sweetest, smartest, most genuine little girl I know.  We were especially sad for this year to end because it was her last year at Olive Chapel Elementary.  Our neighborhood was rezoned for the new school, Scott's Ridge, that will open in the Fall.  It will be on a traditional calendar.  We have certainly loved the year-round schedule, but will be just fine with traditional, too.  We are excited about all of the great opportunities that come with a brand new school.  We know that Kamdyn will do great!  We are certainly happy that Sydney will be joining Kamdyn at Scott's Ridge.  Their other little friends will still be at OCE.  Look out 4th Grade!!  Here they come!!

Olivia the Pig

Book Character Day was the day after Kamdyn's birthday.  After all of the crazy birthday excitement was over I had to quickly come up with some pig ears for her to wear late that night.  Thankfully, my neighbor had a pink piece of construction paper.  We had a pink headband and Google Images had a template that I traced.  Woo!  Nothing like waiting until the last minute.  I will say, she was a cute little Olivia pig.

Kamdyn's Actual Birthday!

Kamdyn had a great birthday on her actual day.  Aside from the April Fool's antics that people try to pull on her, it was a great 9th birthday.  

First of all, she dressed in the cutest little yellow and navy outfit complete with a chevron bow.

Then, Karcie and I took Chick-fil-A to her school and had lunch with her.  We also stopped by Dunkin Donuts on our way to Chick-fil-A to get her requested birthday treat for her class.  6 glazed donuts.  6 strawberry frosted donuts.  6 chocolate frosted donuts.  6 double chocolate donuts.  

After lunch, Karcie and I went back to her classroom for her birthday treat.  The class sang Happy Birthday and were so sweet to our Kamdyn.  They were having centers afterwards so I agreed to stay and run one of the learning centers.  Ours was an Easter game so Karcie got to play, too.  She actually won the game which had the older kids scratching their heads.  

For dinner that night, our girls chose her favorite Apex Mexican Restaurant, Arranda's.  Last, we got home and she opened all of her gifts from our family.  She is one lucky duck who is loved by so many!!

Beautiful!

Lunch with the birthday girl!

And a sweet treat with the birthday girl!

Ms. Moonan's birthday message.  

Karcie won!!  She completed the rabbit first!

Daddy and his girl at dinner.

Mommy and the baby girl at dinner.

Kamdyn got The Voice for the Wii from Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jim.  She couldn't wait to play it!

Think she got enough?  And this was JUST from the family.  Her stack from her friends was just as tall!