My baby turns 4!

It feels like I had her just yesterday. But my little girl just turned 4! So we decided to celebrate in a big way. With another backyard party, this time with a camping theme. Ava decided she wanted a camping party back in April, so we had some time to plan. Ava LOVES the outdoors. She would happily play outside all day, every day, rain or shine. My husband is an avid camper and outdoorsman so we have taken the kids every summer, since they were babies.

Unfortunately, I get so caught up in these parties that I don't take even a quarter of the pictures I should...I completely missed my banner, the goodie bags (a take home, make your own camping banner), the lunch, and most importantly...the PEOPLE. Jeesh. It was such a cute party and my little birthday girl had an absolute blast. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us! And for the very generous gifts! Here's just a few photos.

A colouring station complete with wooden branch pencil crayons, camping stickers and pictures.

Our awesome "campfire"! You can kind of see the "Ava's Camp" sign that my dad made in the background, too.

The girls each made their own banners. We sent the kids home with kits to make their own camping banners, like these.

A kid-friendly, nut-free trail mix I made. (Clearly, not Paleo.)

Some of the desserts...

Cake time!!! I made this chocolate s'more cake complete with campfire night-light cake topper. Yes, that is marshmallow fluff, hershey's chocolate and graham cracker crumble. And, no, I couldn't eat it! :(

The birthday girl, opening her gifts in her new Frozen camping chair!

Ready to blow out those candles!

These parties are such a group effort. Thank you to my parents, who provided much of the decor and food, and to my mother-in-law for also bringing lots of the food! Ava had such a special party. :)