Dear Nadia,
How are you already in Kindergarten?! How is it that you are nipping at the heels of SIX years old? How did that happen?

Do you know I worry about you being the middle child? You're not the oldest, the baby, or the only son. Will you feel overlooked? Will you feel lost? Will you feel cheated? But then on days like today, on the eve of your first year in elementary school, days where I have all the excitement and nervousness in the world as if I haven't been through this before, days where I get teary eyed at the thought of letting you go, I know you'll be okay. I know you'll feel special and loved and looked after. Because you are sweet girl. Don't think I don't notice.

My little one is turning FOUR today.  Yesterday, she sat in the backseat with the cutest pout ever saying "I'm tired of being 3 1/2.  It's boring! I don't want to be the youngest."  How convenient that I could assure her that not only is she not the youngest but that she also didn't have to stand for being three one. more. day.  My little petulant Nadia. Today I'm sharing 6 ways I make her birthday feel special!

I really wanted to write a post about moving that would make me cry (and perhaps you too!).  But I'm really trying to ward off the sentimentality until I'm officially out of New Hampshire.  So instead here are a few pictures of Dax and Nadia's Camping themed pre-birthday bash--more to come later!

That's right. I'm sharing Nadia's fairy party from last year.  Just like I shared Genevieve's 4th birthday just before her 5th.  I posted a peek on Facebook but since I'm planning her 4th birthday I figured I'd share a quick look at her 3rd. If you remember, I was pregnant and due to have Dax less than 2 weeks after the party and Joe had just finished chemo and needed a last minute procedure the same week as the party. If ever there was a year to just have pizza and cupcakes this was it.  But I just couldn't do it. Instead I threw 2 parties- a play date party with friends (I discussed having day time parties and how awesome it is here) and a family party a few days later.  It was crazy, but I kept both parties simple.  I really liked how they turned out and Nadia loved them and had so much fun.  It was proof that parties can be fun and even cute while keeping things simple and budget friendly.

Nadia's turning 3 in just a few weeks.  I can hardly believe it!  If there was ever a year to skip a party it would be this year.  But I'm already having anxiety about her having middle child syndrome so I just couldn't do it.   Instead I will kill myself to pull off a somewhat cute, very simple fairy 3rd birthday party. I took a few photos of her for her DIY invitation and wanted to share!

I honestly don't know how many parts there will be, but we should probably start with Part I right?  I'm sort of sad that it's taken me THIS long to share her party with you!  I was behind from Nadia's party.  Then my computer crashed and I was behind from that.  Then I was sick (and so were the kids) and I was behind from that.  Then I started attending a bible study requiring daily homework and am always behind in that (though it's a huge blessing).  I'm starting to think "behind" is just my typical state of being lately and I should just roll with it. Anyway, here I am ready to share some party deets.  Starting with the dessert table of course.  (Because that's my favorite part.  I think).

The party was a success!  I loved celebrating my little one with friends and family (and okay--with cute little details). I'm working on a Part I post to share with you but in the meantime wanted to share a quick sneak peek!  If you like Taste{Full} on Facebook then you've already seen this. Sorry!  Come back next week for something fresh!

I can't believe it's party week!  I'm a little nervous that my to-do list is still fairly long...and it's dawning on me that other than Nadia's circus party, this one might be the most elaborate one I've thrown.  How did that happen?! I was so proud to plan a simple 2nd birthday party for Genevieve with a few creative touches; how did I let myself go crazy with this one [she asks ruefully]?!  I'm also really excited though.  I've been crafting my little heart out and there will be lots of cute little details to share with you in the coming weeks! In the meantime, feast your eyes on this adorable invitation.

Sometimes I like to pretend I'm Beyonce and I'm saving pictures of Blu Ivy, just waiting for the highest bidder.  But then I realize I'm not a famous rock star with a rap mogul for a husband.  And that while people probably don't hate seeing pictures of Nadia, they might not be waiting anxiously with bated breath.  Nevertheless I wanted to "save" some of my favorite and "book themed" pictures for her party but still share.  I'm so excited that Jordan of Captured nh was able to catch these fun and sweet glimpses of my "baby."  So, since probably no one cares but I can't help but share everyone's been begging for a sneak peek...

My "baby" is turning 2 in just over a month! Where does the time go?  Remember this post from her 1st birthday (still one of my favorite ever posts on Taste{Full}).  A little over a month ago I decided I'd better choose a theme and get started!  Of course the fact that I can host a party outdoors for Nadia, takes choosing a theme to another level!  There are just so many more options it seems.  My house isn't exactly 'open concept,' so it's not the best for hosting parties.  But my back yard is totally doable.

I was beyond thrilled to get an email from a PopSugar Contributing Editor asking to feature Nadia's Circus Party.  Just like HWTM was the first party planning blog I followed, the PopSugar blogs were the first blogs I frequented at all.  This is what Oprah calls a full circle moment people. ;)  Check out the full feature here and special thanks to Jordan of Captured nh for her amazing photography and to Kate Stahl of POPSUGAR Moms for choosing Nadia's party!

I finally finished Nadia's month by month book. I always post my projects when I finish them.  And not just because of the coupon I get for doing so. I promise.  I do it because:

I can't believe this sweet girl is almost 15 months.  It's just a tiny bit sad!  I can't believe she's all grown up.  Talking a TON. Walking.  Running. Growing teeth.  Copying me. Laughing. Cuddling. Even went poo on the potty a couple of times!  Where did my baby go?

This is the final installment of Nadia's Circus Party!  I want to share photos of guests with you as well but I will save that for a Taste{Full} Facebook album.  Yes, I'm working on creating a Facebook page for Taste{Full}.  We had one in the past but life was too hectic for us to keep up with it.  Now that things have slowed down a bit, I figured I'd try again!  But I digress...

This final post is about the other decor elements that I haven't shared thus far.  I had so much fun planning the decor for this party and though the wind tried to thwart those plans, it still came out as I imagined!  What do you think?