Warning: Tear Jerker REUNITED

My Daddy came home Tuesday after spending 6 months in Iraq. As you can see... I was happy to see him:

Mommy said it looks like I am looking at God and thanking him for bringing my Daddy home safe & sound.

I am THREE

I made it to 3! And Mommy threw me a Birthday Party with mermaids, I love, love, love mermaids.

See the mermaid material behind the dessert table? That is really a shower curtain - Mommy just tacked it into the frame so we can use in my bathroom now.

Here is the playroom before all the chaos began:

Cakes on Youree made me a VERY special sandcastle cake.

 Facepainting was by the Uber-fabulous Neecee Blackwell Crooked Tree. Not your average artist.

And our activities included ceramic painting and sand art. (Mommy is insane and Daddy was OBVIOUSLY out of town...)

 Favors were handpainted ornaments by Magnolia Creative, who also did my mermaid message in a bottle invites, rice-crispy treat toppers, and washable sippy cup stickers! Thank you Magnolia!

And just a few more details:

 Jello with swedish fish, rock candy, chocolate sea-shells and mermaid lollipops!

Chests filled with delicious cake pops, lollipops and TREASURE!

A DINGLEHOPPER CHANDELIER! I was estatic to see this hanging in my room.