She knew exactly what she wanted this birthday to be.  No question at all – a soda shop/sock up/50's bash with her friends. Thanks to her careful planning via Pinterest (I'm thinking there may be an as yet undiscovered Pinterest gene) and help from her Dad and sister, we were able to pull it off. 

We found a doughnut pinata at Target and painted it black to make it into an album. 

She wore last year's felt poodle skirt which we made from this pattern.  "Minimal sewing" was a big selling point for this one, just saying. 

They had a hoola hoop contest and pinned the tail on the poodle. 

There was also a scavenger hunt. Be advised, should you ever attempt this game with under 12yo's that "litter" is not a universal term and may send your little party goers in search of a house that has a cat. Hear me, friends.  They may be successful. 

The Dollar Store had diner baskets and liners.  Score!  Premade packaged sliders, fries, and tiny Coke's were on the menu.  Alannah mader her the soda shop cupcakes.

It was such a delightful day.  We high five'd ourselves afterwards and had a cold one trying to process the fact that the baby of the family is now NINE years old.