Moody Mania: When Disney Came to Dillon...and Columbia!

$3,750.00

This is the approximate amount of money spent on your average trip to Disney World.

But today we are running a special on tickets to two different theme parks, and you get to enjoy a guest pass...

Without the price of admission!

By the time you're finished you'll feel like you've just gone to Disney world while sitting in the comfort of your own chair.

*****************************************************

Oh, TWO-DLES! Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity DOG!

More than milk, snacks, and all things frilly Emerson is absolutely ENAMORED with Mickey Mouse. Believe it or not, I've had this theme picked since before her first Birthday even took place. It's so neat to see how little ones grow and what they really learn to like. And for her, it was Mickey Mouse. And that Mouse was about to become a trap.

"I won't go overboard this time."

"I don't have to make a million decorations. Or paint anything."

"Let's keep it simple."

Here's the thing. My imagination has no ceiling, and when I start doing something, I put EVERYTHING into it. It's just how I roll.

Mrs. Moody, your tractor has arrived to haul the party supplies.

But of course, no celebration would be possible without a team of people behind it. Here are this year's officers and their duties.

Katharine Moody

President, Chief Decorator, Pinterest Plunderer, Cricut Operator, Balloon Pumper, Planner, Painter, Designer, EBAY Enthusiast, Customer-of-the-Month Winner at Party City, Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann and Michael's, Craft Store wanderer, Invitation Calligrapher, Cash Thrower, Coordinator, Director, & Stylist

Randy Carlson

Vice President, Co-Decorator, Ladder Holder, Sidekick, Emerson Watcher, Honda Odyssey Delivery Driver, ABC Mat Organizer, Box Carrier, & "Is This Really Necessary?" Announcer

Ann Carlson

~~Complainer,~~ Sam's Membership Sharer, Emerson Watcher, Advice and Patience Giver, Victim of a home Decoration Invasion

Rene' Johnson

Wonderful babysitter!

Ryan Moody

The Good Sport

On Wednesday before the party we left for Dillon. Our car could be seen for miles on all sides.

I wanted the fellowship hall to be the closest thing to Disney World that I could create...this is bearing in mind that I pulled the party together in just a few weeks after the Night of Worship and so many other projects. Talk about being exhausted, but it was exactly what I envisioned!

I loved how the cake table turned out, and the cake was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Thank you, Frances Rouse. It was also delicious! I was so thrilled with this.

Here is a look at some of the other decorations:

Thanks to Lexington UPS for these fabulously precious invitations!

The banner!!! I tried this last year, but the weight of the wooden letters tore it down. This time I hung it differently, and it stayed up! The big minnie heads on either side were made of styrofoam wreaths that I painted before adding bows.

We served Domino's Pizza, cocktail weenies, PB & J and Pimento Cheese sandwiches, chips, and many kinds of drinks.

I saw these letters and HAD to make them. They were $10 a letter on Etsy, but I found paper mache letters at a craft store, painted them, and cut the bows, hats, and ears out of card stock. They turned out exactly like I wanted and ended up costing only $17.

For the photo area I drew and painted the Disney characters again, but this time instead of using cardboard I found artist easels from Hobby Lobby and cut them out with a special pair of scissors afterwards. I still have a blister!

A play area is a MUST to entertain toddlers! Uncle Kevin gave her the "slam dunk" ball pit, we had a large bounce house, pool full of balls, tent and tunnel area, and an ABC mat.

For the older kids I set up a craft area with hats, coloring pages, letters, and other activities.

Our awesome minister of music came in while we were decorating and said, "You know what? You put so much into your parties to make them special for not only Emerson but for everyone else who is coming." That was so kind of Jon, because yes, I meticulously plan each detail and want every single person to have a fun time at any event I plan. And be thrilled that they came.

I squealed with delight when Frances arrived with this cake, and the week before the party my incredible friend, Jamie, asked me if there was anything she could help me with. I had searched everywhere for a cake topper, and again, one like this was about $35 on Etsy. Jamie ended up making this for ONE DOLLAR! Then I added the letters and bow with supplies that I already had. When I ask, Jamie delivers!

#BowShow

The gift table was my pride and joy! I cut the Disney "balloons" with my Cricut, and the chandeliers topped it off. I loved it!

Then came the favor table!

We had a candy bar, and I also made DVDs with video highlights of the past year. I had to come up with something totally unique for her gift, so I made a Mommy remix of Will Smith's "Just the Two of Us." You can watch it here. I am SUPER excited with the way it turned out!

After we played, prayed, and ate lunch it was time for the BIG surprise. MICKEY MOUSE! (AKA Poppy)

You can file this under #2938592835 of things people will do for their grandchildren.

Everyone LOVED Mickey! Out came the cell phones for pictures and videos! When we do take Emerson to Disney World one day she will no doubt yank Mickey's head while yelling, "POPPY!" We just might be whisked away by ~~a carriage~~ security.

It is so much fun to watch kids play. No matter your age, we should all be so lucky to find the joy in everything like children do.

One of the highlights of a child's Birthday party is to see the delight they show when opening each gift. I think back to last year and how many sweet memories we have with those toys and clothes. Each new gift opened is a window to many memories that haven't happened yet.

We were so blessed to have so many wonderful family and friends to celebrate with us. I am thankful for every moment spent with these people!

On Emerson's actual Birthday we celebrated with cupcakes with her class. And I had been thinking...Emerson loves her daycare friends so much. I can't possibly leave them out of this. And I said to myself, "I've just got to throw two parties this year." And thus, I went into Mouse Mode.

On Sunday, November 1st, the Disney truck traveled to Columbia to relocate all the magic!

I only believe in reincarnation when it comes to decorations. That's true, it's catchy, and it rhymes.

Ryan was out of town on vacation for a few days before the party, and I transformed our home into a Clubhouse in his absence. He was thrilled!

I even set up a baby room. I never overlook a detail.

The cake! Jamie saved the day yet again with her original creation. And it was delicious!

What really makes a party? THE GUESTS! We had an absolute blast as our home turned into Toddler Town.

We started with playtime and then ate CAKE! There's nothing like filling a room full of toddlers with sugar.

Then came...MICKEY!!!

Because my Dad was leading a Bible study that evening my precious mother was ~~forced~~ nominated to don this wondrous costume. And it was absolutely HILARIOUS. The kids were running up to Mickey wide eyed and gasping while she was speaking in her regular voice...

"Katharine, I can't see."

"Please fix my shoe."

"Why are there only four fingers on these gloves?!"

"SHHHH!!! MAMA!!! You're supposed to be MAGICAL!!!!!"

Twisted shoe or not, "Mama Mickey" sure was a hit with the children!

As well as the "adults!" Sheesh. When did we get into that category?

Now close your eyes and imagine squeals, paper ripping, laughter, a few "stop its," "don't do thats" and "WOWs!" and you'll travel right back to our gift time.

She got some precious things that she absolutely adores.

Throw two parties? Some might think I'm crazier than a cat in a laser beam store. But seeing the joy and excitement and hearing the children's laughter made it totally worth it. I was SO GLAD I trusted my instincts. My ideas usually turn out well...95% of the time...fortunately this one falls into the 'successful' category, unlike the time I set taco shells on fire in the toaster oven.

The party culminated with a dance-off to James Brown's "I Feel Good" sung by a puppy. This is totally normal, right?

TOTALLY!

Then there were many goodbye hugs. I love these kids.

...and my personal favorite 'goodbye' hug. Hahaha!

The celebration continued later in the week with a get-together at my grandparents' where she got a kangaroo and more cake!

There's no stopping this little one. She's going to take over the world one step at a time!
#AllAboutThatMouse

Thank you to Sarah Hughes with Madsky Photography for these INCREDIBLE pictures!