she's FIVE

Ainsley-Bear is officially FIVE. five, folks. F.I.V.E.  All fingers on one hand.

This is BIG.

Our little princess INSISTED on a birthday at ... none other than.... Dunkin Donuts.  A small urban deal, 2 blocks from our house.  Go figure.

After hemming and hawing and trying to convince her something else might be fun, mommy finally stirred up the courage to march into the Dunkin Donuts and ASK (sheepishly) weather we might be able to host a birthday party for a special 5 year old there.

They said YES.

Donut shaped crayons and cute sweets tags found on Etsy.

'Rainbow to go' - gumballs as party favors, again from Etsy

Now to get creative.... what to do in the loft area where we will host the party.

building zone in the bay window

donuts picnic-style

cookie monster monitoring

design station with the donut-crayon-party-favors, markers, and princess stickers

grilled cheese (a little protein before the sugar onslaught)

... and a surprise visit from a VERY special guest!

Can you believe she RSVP'd YES from her castle!?? Must be because she was already in town for Disney on Ice the weekend before. :)

the kids had to guess what princess-movie each song snippet was from (they ROCKED it!)

Cinderella officially made Ainsley an 'honorary princess' and had all the kids chant "Hail, Princess Ainsley!"  Just LOOK at that tiara!!!

happy bunch
(wonder if that guy in the background got ANY work done.. hahaha)

this little cutie loved the balloons... and pretty much anything that shouldn't go in his mouth. :)

ok.... third... ahem... THIRD donut. Where are her parents, anyhow?

baby Addie loved the balloons

sweet girl - sporting the princess sticker bling

Mom and baby were excited to meet Cinderella too!!

coolest teachers EVER