berkley's cine-splash birthday bash

Months before Berkley's birthday, she begins brainstorming for her party.  She has been doing this for several years now it seems.  (I know, she is only 8!)  She is a planner, and she doesn't like to miss any details.  She comes by this naturally from her grandmother, Marmie.  It is always fun to hear her ideas and see the direction that her little mind is heading.  Sure, I help her along the way and sometimes "plant" new ideas so she is steered down a path of reality; but for the most part she comes up with a lot of the "party planning" on her own.  Who knows, maybe this is a career path she will be headed down some day.  Whatever the case, Berkley did inherit her Marmie's creativity, and I love that she is already using it in so many areas.

This year Berkley was unsure at first if she wanted a swim party since she did that last year. (And of course she wants original & creative, not familiar & easy!)  Together we began our brainstorming of ideas on how to turn another swim party into something a little different.  This summer my parents took the kids to a fun, family-friendly resort in Austin.  Each night they showed a movie out on the lawn, which the kids loved.  Matt & I were at a similar resort this summer in San Antonio where the movies were actually shown poolside.  Lightbulb!  After a little discussion with Berkley, we came up with our birthday brainstorm for this year.  We had a Cine-Splash Birthday Bash!!!

Berkley was SO excited about her party and loved planning all of the details.  She was so proud of how her invitations turned out.  (A BIG thanks to Marmie!)  She couldn't wait until her party.  When the big day was finally here and her friends began to arrive, the party was off to a big splash!

The girls swam, splashed, and played lots of games.  They had a great time with the noodles and even formed a parade in the pool.  Berkley has the sweetest group of friends!!!

The girls stayed busy swimming until it began to get dark.  We got one last pose from the group before we moved on to more festivities.

It was time to sing "Happy Birthday" and have a little treat.  We celebrated this year with a cookie cake...yummy!

Berkley seemed to enjoy her friends singing to her.

And seemed to make a big wish as she blew out ALL those candles!

Next it was time to open the gifts.  What party girl doesn't love that?!?

She enjoyed opening each gift and even took time to read her cards.

She got several pairs of new earrings which she LOVED!  Her Mimi just recently took her to get her ears pierced for her birthday, and she can't wait to model her new jewelry.

Once the candles were blown out, the wishes had been made, and the presents were all opened; it was time for the show to begin.  The screening for the bash was Gnomeo & Juliet.

The drinks were set up...

and the popcorn bags were filled.

The girls grabbed a spot as the movie began.  Some grabbed a float or stayed dipped in the pool.

Others claimed a spot in a chair to be up close and personal.

The movie seemed to be a hit!

 And of course, now that everyone was settled, our host got busy.

Berkley took her friends' orders and enjoyed fixing their treats at the "popcorn bar."

As the movie ended and the credits rolled, parents began showing up marking the end of Berkley's Birthday Bash.  And all of a sudden the pool was empty.

Overall it was a great party!  I think everyone had a good time.  I know the birthday girl did, and in the end I guess that is really all that matters.