“No, my name is Princess Luna” Holly insisted as we arrived at the park.

Over the course of the 10 minute drive we’d collectively decided that Holly’s name for the night would be Princess Luna Diamond Sparkle (they’re on a pretty big My Little Pony kick right now). After a handful of selections, and after we’d all picked a favorite, Holly declared (in a rather royal fashion) that she’d shortened it to Princess Luna. Probably the more elegant option, don’t you think?

With Holly’s name settled we poured out of the car—the girls immediately running down to the park—and I loaded up our supplies like a pack horse. We laid blankets on the grass, carefully placed the cake on the cool concrete table, and set off to the swings and sand.

The party had begun.