McKenna's 12th Birthday Party

I hardly recognize this small women walking around my house these days.  In the last few months, McKenna has sprouted right up–causing Justin and I to scratch our heads as we figure out this new member of our family with suddenly new interests, needs, and emotional outpours. She has taken over my jewelry, hair tools, and nylons... but thankfully, no longer my shoes. (She can't fit in them anymore!)  Reality is setting in that I'm losing my only "little" girl.  No more dolls? No more tea parties? No more princesses? The thought is sickening. She may be ready to move on, but I'm not sure I am! Perhaps, if I had more girls to raise, I wouldn't be mourning her childhood so much... But the truth is, I got just one shot at all things "sugar and spice and everything nice." It's just swords and guns from here on out for me!

Sensing that this would probably be one of my last opportunities to throw her a "themed" party, I wanted to do something super fun and "girly" for her 12th birthday party. She wanted a Hunger Games party, but a party centered around 'weapons' and 'killing' sounded like just another one of my sons' playdates. Just couldn't do it.  I coaxed her into something a little more FABULOUS: A Project Runway Party!  This little fashion reality show is a favorite of both Kenna and mine.  Once I got her on board, we threw this little shin dig together in three days.  That is called "Making It Work, People!" Tim Gunn would be so proud.

Before her party, Kenna's Beehive leader stopped by to officially welcome and introduce McKenna into Young Womens. This made the day even more special.  McKenna has been so excited about Young Womens, that she already knows about the program's history, symbolism, and organization.  I've been really impressed with McKenna's desire to learn about it.

The Goodie Spread

These high-heel cupcakes deserve a close-up... They were a lot of work!

 I was unsure if all of the girls would like this theme...  Aren't we always worried that our party will be a flop? But as soon as the first girls busted through the door, I quickly realized that these girls were ready to party no matter what I had planned! They were struttin' their stuff... dancing... laughing... before things even began. Even though not a single girl had ever seen "Project Runway" before, they were onboard! GLAMAZON MODE was in full effect!

The girls were paired up in teams to create "looks" for each other for a run-way show where a 'Best Designer' and 'Best Model' would be crowned. They were given plastic table cloths, tissue paper, tin foil, tape, and staples. As I was describing the rules, the girls were practically salivating! They couldn't wait to get to designing... I guess it's just part of a girl's DNA or something!

 

 The girls got a little TOO into it... I literally could not get them to stop! I tried my best Tim Gunn impression: "Times up, people. We're going to the runway." But they weren't having it.  What perfectionists!

After much pleading and threatening, I got them to set the scissors down! They were greeted upstairs by our honorary "Guest Judge" (a.k.a. Grandma Stevens)! She was ultra posh and fabulous in every way!! We cued the runway music and the girls worked it like there was no tomorrow–totally playing to the judge. Blowing her kisses... winking at her... it was nothing short of hysterical!

 "Pop that Hip, Kamry!" 

 "You Go, Annaliese!"

Madelyn is feelin' it!

And did we doubt that Kenna could work it?

 Um, no... she is half Stevens and half Luke. 

That equals double HAM blood!! 

Did these fashionistas eat like disciplined super models? Heck NO! All that posin' works up quite an appetite! It reminded me of Chis Farley's famous 'Valley Girl' line from Saturday Night Live:

 "Lay off me! I'm starving!"

It was a really fun afternoon... Totally worth the work and expense! McKenna's growing up too fast to not enjoy every second of her. She is such a unique, fun girl. I am so grateful that this girl is in my life!

When the last girl left, I sighed a breath of relief, thinking the party was "over." Boy, was I wrong. My sweet friend tended my boys during the party (best thing I did), and those boys were NOT HAPPY to miss all the fun!! When they got home, they too wanted some design action! They disappeared downstairs and reappeared about an hour later--totally Project Runwayed up:

This video captures a bit of Carson's modeling talent! ENJOY!