Princess for a day -- and a lifetime

For Rayna's 8th birthday yesterday, we celebrated by having a "My Child, My Princess" party! (This is currently Rayna's favorite book) My mom graciously offered to have it at her house, since she had an "in" with a particular real princess who would be able to join us...

But first, Rayna was just excited about all the decorations and preparations...




...and the castle cake, of course:
Here's the queen (Nonna) and the princess:

And the guests of honor: Princess Ellie and Princess Ava: Everyone coincidentally arrived in pretty pink dresses!(Somehow I didn't end up with any pictures that included me on my camera... but suffice it to say I was looking mighty frilly as well. Or some might say ridiculous.)

And then they were visited by a VERY special guest: Snow White!

After some princess games, the ladies all had "tea" together:

And we were visited by some PRINCES!

The smallest prince found his way to his own private tea party: Then we had dinner...

....and cake!

And then.... as a special added bonus to the day, we girls all spent the evening at a local homeschool production of Anne of Avonlea! I thought that was pretty appropriate, since Rayna's middle name, Blythe, is from that book series. She didn't really follow the story, but definitely enjoyed being at the theater, at a real play!

(So we started the party with Rayna's favorite book, and ended with mine)

What a fun day and evening! Rayna was surrounded by aunts, cousins, grandma and friends who all love her. (And she also enjoyed all the phone calls and cards from the out-of-towners!) I am so thankful.

Our prayer for Rayna is that she feels blessed as a princess, and knows that she is a beautiful daughter of the King her whole life.

Good night, my child, my princess!