Party time

What's a Birthday without a party? As we get older, we stop celebrating ourselves for fear that others will think it is self-indulgent.  When you are a kid, your birthday doesn't even exist unless you have a party with your friends.  I think I'm going back to that.....parties for everyone!

We had no idea what to do for Giada's 'kid' party this year.  I was blessed with a June birthday so outside parties at home were always an option.  Giada's has proved to be a tricky one. It's two days before Halloween and the weather is always up in the air.  Without spending a fortune, what can you really do with a bunch of 4 & 5 year olds?  Stealing ideas from friends works, right?  ( Thanks, Nic!)  Bowling it is!

Bowling anyone? Extra silliness required.

We are in the transitional time where Giada doesn't know a lot of her new friends at school and she adores her besties from daycare so we invited the friends most important to her.  Bowling, cake and generally being....well.... five were on the schedule Saturday.

Birthday bowling with buds

This story isn't about me or Kris....it really is about Giada but when you have a party for kids at this age, the parents stick around.  I love it because I get to see friends and meet new ones. What I don't like is feeling like I don't get enough time with each of them. As a mom, I generally am in the forefront, appearing to run the show.  I would never be able to do it alone though.   Thank goodness for Kris.  He handles all the behind-the-scenes things like taking gifts and jackets, getting refreshments and assisting in corralling the kids.    I want to be so many things on days like this.  A great hostess, a Pied Piper of sorts: keeping the kids happy and entertained, a good friend and a mommy that makes her little girl so happy she can't stand it.  It's not easy for either of us.

 

I love these little faces!

Celebration in full effect

As I was going through the few pictures I was able to take, I saw a common theme that warmed my heart. Our little Pookie taking time for each friend.  A gentle hand to include them, a hand on their back so they knew she was there, cheering for them when it was their turn.  It was her Birthday party but it was  important to her that her friends were surrounding her.  There was no preference of one over the other.  They are "her kids" as she describes to me.

We hear from people that we have done a good job raising Giada.  I believe that she inspires & teaches us as much as we inspire & teach her.  I am honoured to know such an awesome person.

Happy 5th Birthday, Giada.  We love you to the moon and back....plus 1.

The most fun is had when you stray from the plan