Time for tea...

beautiful and proper

wearing a pretty dress that belonged to me when I was a little girl

Mary Scott and Mommy

time for a tea party!

Mary Scott thought the tables were so pretty

ready for 9 little ladies and their dollies

dreamy...

enjoying the tea party

yummy snacks

Mary Scott and "Lily Anne", one of her Bitty Twins she got for her birthday

a spot for the birthday girl

decorating straw hats for the dollies

"Lily Anne" wearing her lovely hat

the little roses added a nice touch

will you join me for a cup of tea?

one of the cutest little "friends" at the tea party

We celebrated Mary Scott's 5th birthday this past Saturday and had a delightful time. I enjoyed every minute of it, even the planning and preparation. It was my first time giving a tea party, and somehow it just captured me. The days leading up to it, Mary Scott became more and more excited and kept saying, "Mommy, I'm so excited about my tea party! How many more days?" Her anticipation sure made every bit of my effort worth it.

When Saturday finally arrived and the tables were set, the food was out and the candles were lit, we were thrilled to welcome our first guests. As each precious little friend came in, we started one of our crafts: decorating a straw hat for their dolly (or whatever they brought). Once all the dollies were dressed in their beautiful hats, the little ladies gathered around the table for snacks and "tea." The girls were so sweet and well mannered. After finishing their tea and singing Happy Birthday to Mary Scott, it was off to the craft table again to make tissue paper flowers. We finished up our time together with a lesson on setting the table.

It truly was a wonderful time. Mary Scott kept a beautiful smile on her face and seemed to have so much fun. Of course, Brian was pitching in and helping all along the way, and Benjamin and Catherine were wonderful helpers, too. We appreciated our friend Ashlyn helping with the crafts and all the moms, too. I'm so thankful it all went wonderfully, and most of all, I'm thankful Mary Scott felt loved and celebrated.