Marlie turns 8!

December 28th was Marlie's 8th birthday! We started our day by going to to Jamba Juice for smoothies. Then we headed down to the beach. I know, all you non-San Diegans are jealous :-)

The tide was low, and Marlie and Blake had so much fun collecting shells. La Jolla Shores is pretty shell-less most of the time, so they were really excited to find some treasures. The water was in the mid 50's, not too bad to stick your toes in, but you wouldn't want to get completely wet...

unless you are this crazy guy.

Then you might want to get your clothes soaked and run around in your diaper.

On the Sunday following Marlie's birthday we had a "Dolly Tea party". Marlie's friends all brought a doll or a stuffed animal to the party. I set the dining room table with my Great-Grandmothers china. It looked so pretty, and the girls were so excited about the fancy plates and cups. We had lemonade, little peanut butter sandwiches, sprinkle cookies, fruit kebobs, and pink cupcakes.

I set up two little little areas for the dolls and animals to have tea too. I made little felt cookies, and after tea, the girls all picked two cookies to take home.

They looked so cute, and I had so much fun making them!

The girls all signed their names and drew pictures on this poster. We hung it up in Marlie's room.

We made these cute little "ice cream" sundaes for the girls dolls. I had planned for them to make two per girl, but they liked them so much they each made a bunch! Good thing I had extra supplies.


After a game of red light green light, Marlie and the girls gathered back into the house to make jewelry for their dolls. After the dolls got some new jewelry, the girls made some things for themselves.

They also made little books for their dolls, and dolly treasure boxes. It was such a fun birthday party!