Not everything went perfectly (I ran out of time and didn’t make the guacamole, put out cucumbers, and lost M’s birthday t-shirt and candle, nor did I decorate as much as I’d wanted), but overall it was a great success!
My pinteresty ocean-themed food:
So many beloved friends and family came to wish her a happy birthday, and it warmed my heart to see relatives and friends all gathering in honor of my little girl. M’s uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents didn’t show, but I was very happily surprised that her half sister A did! A’s stepmom and older sister (who helps raise A) brought her and I had a good time catching up with them. We are both eager to keep the girls seeing each other regularly. It was really fun to see how similar the girls are in looks and personality, despite having fathers of different races and cultures.
All of the kids, (A, my niece, my cousin’s daughter) got little sand pails with bubbles, a beach ball, and sand toys plus goldfish crackers and balloons. We set up M’s new trampoline in the office so that it was really a mini bounce house. There was a lot of fun, and a few tears, on that!
Today I am wiped out, but off I went to work, at what my body thought was 4:30am (with the time change). All morning I kept thinking, god I feel like I’m going to throw up. Finally I did start throwing up, and then started getting fevers. I went home from work and have been in bed ever since.
Mother of All Things 
Looks like you had a great time! So glad her half sister was able to come. I do see the resemblence even from those pictures. I hope this sick is shortlived for you.
Looks like a fun time was had by all! I do see the resemblance between M and A. So great that she could come!