The carnival came to town….

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Really? Has it been a year?… How did that happen? Where did that year go? Im overwhelmed with joy and all, but honestly… Im also a little sad, and admittedly a little “ok” with the fact that shes still not walking.

When she walks it just makes her less of a baby and more of a toddler… and well… who told her should could grow up anyway?!!? GEEZ! She’s only 1 and already doing things behind my back! (Yes, behind my back. Cause if it were in front of my face, clearly I’d have told her to STOP!) Yes, the complicated boy has gotten big DRAMASTICALLY as well, but for some reason… that doesnt bother me as much as the Princess. I think maybe because she is “THE BABY”. Her getting older means me getting older, and our family evolving… and Man, I just cant hang on to the moments that pass by quicker than I can live in them.

Truth is, try as hard as I may… my little girl is going to get big. So I did try and treasure the moment and make it extra special for her. I decided the whole Princess theme has been done before, I wanted my little girl to stand out… so we had a CARNIVAL theme.

The theme was fun but not overly feminine, but that was ok cause I had plans to make my little girl the belle of ball…. or as I called her- The Queen of the Carnival.

I had seen many pictures of the new pettiskirt trend on the Internet, and decided that is what she would wear,— but note to self… these things are HANDMADE (at least the good ones are)… and typically require much lead time (6-8 wks) since they are in demand. This is something I did not realize. I researched and got turned down by many a vendor until alas God Blessed me with the google result of “KERRI’S KREATIONS“

Kerri is a momtrepenuer, like myself who runs her online business from her home. She was able to work with my 4 wk lead time as many other could not, we exchanged emails about what I had envisioned for the the big day, and together we pieced together the idea for the cutest – most perfect- outfit for a carnival queen ever.

I waited with baited breath for the delivery, and when I got it in the mail I was blown away!

Look at it!

It was EXACTLY as I envisioned! Kerri made the skirt, shirt and matching headband and the quality was SO high end.. people would never believe her prices were so competitive!

Once the outfit was in place I got to sit back and take care of the details:

The entertainment

(www.fantasyfaces.net … seriously amazing detailed face painting. If you are in the NY/NJ area I highly recommend)

The games

-Sand art, -Bean bag toss, – Hula game – & Gold Fish Launch ( with live gold fish of course!)

(Created & organized by yours truly- www.thesugarontop.com )

The food:

All Carnie food… Hotdogs, funnel cake, popcorn, cotton candy, pizza, chicken fingers & nachos!

(food trays were one of my favorite touches…. courtesy of www. webstaurantstore.com … great quality stuff- crazy super fast shipping!)

The decor…..

LOTS AND LOTS OF BALLOONS & Tall centerpieces.

Carousel Frame with highlights of the 1st year.

Gable boxes, with tix for the carnival games

Thank you/Favors – a carnival photo frame that revealed baby’s 1st pic

(All created by yours truly- www.thesugarontop.com )

The ONE THING I did not count on?? …. The Rain. (blahhh!)

I had big plans for these booths and such built in my backyard, and was all ready to go til I saw the forecast Thursday morning…

I called up my husband (and friends) at work freaking out… and to Mr. Complicated, I pouted til he threw his white flag up and let me book a near by club house. (I make it sound so easy, but believe me there was quite the battle on this decision)..

In the end- it rained ALL DAY…. but it all turned out perfect.

BIG FAT P.S. - Princess Complicated’s colic/ my PPD inspired this blog’s birth— so that means… Complicated mama is just about a year old too!!

(I know, I know…. Here’s a Kleenex ::tear::)