SeleneByMarialyn

Every year, as we approach another birthday, I find myself reminiscing, reflecting, and slightly in awe of the people my kids are growing up to be.

We had the privilege of celebrating our daughter’s sixth birthday over the weekend. But mama is tired. As I type this, I cannot stop myself from yawning, but I’m a stubborn old mule, so here I am.

Whose terrific idea was it to go on vacation and return two days before I had to host a party?

That would be my dear, sweet husband.

I had planned the party prior to my husband’s vacation dates, but in his defense, his schedule sucks. There really is no other way to say it. But it affords us a life that I’m so grateful for, so I digress.

The party turned out lovely. I always tend to over-decorate because, as I have mentioned before, I am all about an immersive sensory experience. Plus, I love a good theme. Like, REALLY-love-a-good-theme.

It’s kind of obnoxious. I can’t help it, so I embrace it.

My daughter’s wish was to have an American Girl doll tea party with her friends, and of course, I delivered.

I even curated a boutique shopping experience with all thrifted finds!

Something you should know about my daughter, though, is that she is a little eccentric and all over the place when it comes to the things she enjoys.

We have yet to have a cohesive theme that I didn’t have to finesse in some shape, form, or fashion. One year she requested unicorns and flamingos, and another year it was mermaids and pterodactyls.

Yes, you read that right.

I know you’re probably thinking, American Girl dolls and tea go together perfectly.

You would be correct.

However, Phoenix is currently obsessed with Labubus.

Don’t know what a Labubu is? They’re these mythical little creatures that are creepy-cute, mischievous, and kind-hearted all at the same time.

So naturally, they needed an invitation to the tea party too.

Nevertheless, the party was a blast, my girl was happy, and everyone enjoyed themselves. That’s a massive win in my book!

Phoenix’s party was on Sunday, while her actual birthday was Tuesday, so we really relished in the extended festivities. In some ways, that was awesome. In others, terrible.

I swear there is nothing worse for a four-year-old brother than having to watch his sister open cool new toys multiple days in a row. The poor guy really tried his hardest, but at one point, it was all too much.

Overall, Sebastian was a rock star.

Post-vacation exhaustion and the sugar detox hit us like a freight train on Monday. It was chaos, plain and simple.

Thankfully, Tuesday was better.

I truly love spending one-on-one time with my kids. Family time is great, but individual outings are really the sweet spot. While on vacation, Phoenix and I snuck away to get the cutest matching pedicures. I still smile when I sneak a peek at our blue sparkly toes. It means everything to her that we’re twinning.

There is something extra special about having that one-on-one time with your kiddo on their actual birthday. It’s a tradition I hope to carry on for as long as they’ll allow it.

We got Phoenix brand-new light-up roller skates this year. She loves them, and now I need a pair too!

Apparently, twinning also means everything to me.

We ended up at the local skating rink for a mama-and-me outing and then perused the toy aisles of Target to spend her birthday cash. The girl was in heaven.

All in all, everything was perfect.

The only thing that didn’t survive our vacation and celebrations was my poor bedroom.

May it rest in peace.

It became no-man’s-land up until today. Suitcases, boxes, laundry, and the random things no one knew what to do with all seemed to find their final resting place there.

I can proudly say it has finally been restored to its former glory.

I never thought I would say that I’m grateful for the festivities to be over, but I AM.

It has been a whirlwind of travel, birthday celebrations, tea parties, sugar highs, and a whole lot of happy chaos.

Now, I am ready to slow down.

And on that note, I bid you farewell until next time.