Lia's Mamma Mia Birthday Party

Although Lia's Sweet 16 birthday party was supposed to be her last friend party of her childhood, I caved and agreed to host her one more party when she pitched the theme to me.  Since she performed in Mamma Mia this past fall and their classic song, "Dancing Queen," sings about a girl who is "young and sweet, only 17," I couldn't resist throwing her a 17th birthday party based on this favorite musical if hers.  So, after some planning, preparing, shopping, and cooking, I hosted her birthday party tonight for Lia and 18 of her friends.  It turned out to be a smashing success.  Most of her friends came dressed in Mamma Mia-themed or beach attire, and they all enjoyed eating a large, buffet dinner before watching Lia open gifts.  They then ate cake and ice cream before finishing off the evening by watching the movie version of Mamma Mia in the basement.  Everyone left by midnight and I hope that Lia can now be satisfied with her long run of friend birthday parties!  I know that I am!

Lia standing next to her sign that Ella wrote wearing her Mamma Mia overalls, complete with a sash and crown.

The "Dancing Queen" balloon banner I made and hung on the kitchen windows.

Lia's cake.

The beachy vibe that I decorated the tables with.

The entire dining area complete with fish nets, shells, and balloons.

The "Young & Sweet" banner that hung in the entry way to the family room.

After the friends arrived, they sat down to eat dinner.  Here is Lia sitting at the head of the table with her friends Emily, Hope, Ani, Sienna, and Rian.

After dinner, we headed into the family room to watch Lia open gifts.  Here she is opening up Sienna's gift who is her oldest friend in the room--13 years total!

Lia with her dear running buddy, Hope.

Lia with her boyfriend, Jared, holding the beautiful bouquet of a dozen roses that he gave to her.

The entire group posing for a picture after the gifts were all opened.  Please notice how Emmett managed to work his way into the center of the picture.

Singing "Happy Birthday" to Lia before she blew out the candles.

The entire group of 19 kids sitting around the table eating cake and ice cream.

The entire gang down in the basement watching Mamma Mia at the end of the night.