Hear Ye! Hear Ye! and a Yo-Ho-Ho!

It's off to a Pirate & Princess Party We Go!

Before we moved here, I prayed and prayed that I would find friends, and boy, have I been blessed in that department. I can't even express my gratitude for the way the ward welcomed us and for the sweet way the women have immediately included me in their group.

One of the dearest gals I've met, is my wonderful friend Laura who I love and spend almost every day with. Rob always laughs when he asked what I did each day and it begins with "Laura and I..."

Laura and I were chatting one day and discovered that our kids share a birthday on December 20th. Hazel is exactly one year older than Drake. She immediately invited me to plan a combined birthday party for them, after only meeting me one time! This meant so much to me because it immediately provided a way for Drake & I to meet and make friends.

We had so much fun planning the party, making invites, and cupcakes, and the party was a blast!

Laura is a designer and created these darling invites (and I had the pleasure of watching her work in Illustrator- I was in awe.)

Last Wednesday, the kids (& a few moms) met up at our house for the big birthday bash.

Our first photo attempt didn't go so well, but they sure are a cute bunch of pirates and princesses!

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is an outdoor/indoor children's museum with oodles for little ones to do and discover. It was a gloomy, misty day, but that kept away any crowds and so the day couldn't have been better! And, every first Wednesday of the month is a free day- Perfect!

Laura lookin' like a babe as we walk into the museum with the kidlets-

Captain Drake- ARGH!

....and PRINCESS HAZEL!

The pirate/shipwreck themed playground was perfect for the little pirates.

Watching for Captain Hook-

Pirate Drake is the best at steering the ship!

Searching for lost treasure-

Later in the day (after crafts, building, coloring, exploring, etc....), we pow-powed for lunch, birthday cupcakes, and presents. 

These two cuties loved having the attention on them-

Blowing out the candles-

"Oh! These cupcakes are sooooo good! Our moms rock!" 

(ok, maybe they didn't think that last part)

The birthday crew and a couple great moms. Between the next 2 pics, I think we got everyone looking at least once-

Present time!
I didn't get a shot of everyone, but Drake was spoiled rotten and we were so excited and thankful for the presents, especially from some friends who had just met us.

Happy early birthday to this sweet almost 3-year-old! 

And a huge thanks to Laura & Hazel for sharing a birthday party with Drake and for all that came to celebrate with us!

We had such a fantastic time and will be back soon to see more at the Discovery Museum...

...and to take in this gorgeous view over and over again!