Our Queen of Hearts is FIVE!

It's mad to think it, but our girl has just turned five!

 Lorelei wanted an Alice in Wonderland party... then a Tinkerbell party... a Tangled party... a Toy Story 3 party... we stuck with the first one! Lorelei wanted to invite all her friends, but decided this year on having her preschool class partake in the festivities.

 Lorelei traced and painted Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum. She's so artistic (Mommy helped only a little bit).

 That wily Cheshire Cat--he can't figure out which way to go...

 Mommy and Daddy thought their Queen of Hearts deserved a throne.

 And with the help of some cards, Mommy arranged some rose bushes for the queen's table.

 Who's been painting my roses red? WHO'S BEEN PAINTING MY ROSES RED??!

 Hanged men.

 The kids' beverages.

 White Rabbits hopping down their rabbit holes.

 Look at our Queen of Hearts, so tall for her age! She's so beautiful! Mommy made her royal robes.

 The relay game--Painting the Roses Red.

 On your marks, get set, GO!!!

  

 The kids enjoyed some time in Lorelei's Wonderland.

 Next, it was the Mad Caucus Race (a variation on Musical Chairs).

 As each person got called out, Cousin Lindsy painted their cheeks.

 Time to sing Happy Birthday!

  The Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, Gryffy, and the Mad Hatter.

  Our flamingo pinata really did lose its head. The Mad Hatter tore it to bits and the kids went wild for peppermint patties.

 Grammy's helping Lorelei open gifts.

 And before her friends leave, Lorelei entertains them on the royal playgrounds.

 Finally, a kiss for the White Rabbit, and it's back up the rabbit hole!

Happy Birthday, Lorelei Belle! Mommy and Daddy got really choked up (both in full-on tears) watching the slideshow of pictures from your baby years until now at your party. You are growing into such a lovely person and we just love you to pieces!

Leprechaun Poo

To bring some Irish cheer to our lucky neighbors and friends (oh yes, you know you're lucky devils, you--;0), we filled a bag with green jelly beans, and attached a poem I wrote as a fun gag gift. I think this will become another Connelly tradition...

Leprechaun POO!

A fresh heap of it

I spotted at the rainbow's end

A leprechaun and his gold

He did a jig then sprang away

I frightened him, I'm told.

For all the blarney devil left

(To skip straight to-the-loo)

Inside his pot, instead of gold

This pile of leprechaun POO!

Tomfooleries and Shenanigans

St. Patrick's Day began with Irish kisses.

 I had the privilege of writing the St. Patrick's Day article for KC Parent Magazine, and enjoyed some of the projects in the article with our family.

 Here the kids are stuffing stockings with seeds and potting soil to make chia-inspired leprechauns.

 They began to sprout in about a week...

 And it was full-on hair come St. Patty's Day. We used items around the house (googly eyes, pom-poms, old t-shirt paint) and didn't find anything for beards. Still, they turned out cute, were super easy, and we had fun making them! I think this will become a St. Patty's tradition!

 Here are the kids, showing them off.

 Guess who came knockin' on our door? (Actually, he sneaked inside...

 ...to use the loo.) Leprechaun tinkle.

 And luck o' the Irish! Our friends, the Bell family, invited us to join them for a second year on the O'Connell Family trolley in the Kansas City St. Patrick's Day Parade (insert heel click and a frolic)!

 Gryffy loved the trolley ride and was mesmerized by the parade. He acted so grown up today--behaving like gold!

 Irish eyes are smilin'!

 Lorelei with her buddy J.P.. They've known each other forever and are dear friends.

 Photo op with Slugger. Go Royals!

 Life's ruff.

Their favorite spot--the front of the trolley. 

 Peering out at all the excitement.

 Gryffin, Lorelei, Nolan and J.P.

 Kiss me! I'm Irish! 

 Greeting the crowd... because they all came out to see the Connelly kids and Bell boys.

 Gryffy waving his streamer. He really entertained the crowd with his cute little arm waving, but got tired halfway through the ride (it's a long parade)!

 Clover Queen.

 I love special times with my kiddos.

 Mr. Curls.

 A blarney good St. Patrick's Day!