Celebrating Six

As I've written before, we aren't a family that throws big birthday parties. Mostly because I'm not the greatest at organizing them. But positive outcomes come with hosting small parties including less money spent on the actual party, being able to talk with all the guests, less gifts to deal with and happier kids (especially my kids who don't like a lot of crazy activity).

For Benny's party this year, I wanted to something small but big, if that makes sense. A small party with fun, inexpensive activities. I also wanted to incorporate a bike ride since most of Benny's friends ride now. Here's what we came up with - a Progressive Birthday Party Extravaganza by Bike.

1. The four of us rode to the local park with all the fixings for a party - sandwiches, juice boxes, cupcakes and balloons.
2. Four of Benny's friends and their parents met us there. They all rode their bikes.
3. The kids played and participated in a quick scavenger hunt (they had to find things in the park - like a rock, squirrel, sand, etc., but the kicker was that they had to read the words).
4. After eating and singing "Happy Birthday," we rode in a big group back to our house.
5. The kids enjoyed a movie in the yard (Hotel Frankenstein) while the adults enjoyed some conversation time on the deck.
6. The adults went home after the movie and the kids stuck around for a sleepover.
7. When the kids woke up (early!) they dined on chocolate chip pancakes.
8. Benny and I rode everyone home  after breakfast, carting their sleeping bags and clothes home in the Burley.

The party was just what I wanted - small but big. What's more, when I posted to the neighborhood Facebook page that I was planning a movie party for my six-year-old, but didn't have the necessary accessories for such a party, a handful of neighbors responded. One loaned me his 10-ft. outdoor movie screen and another had her husband bring home a projector from work.

When I asked Benny what his favorite parts of the party were, he answered: 1) scavenger hunt, 2) movie and 3) having a sleepover. And the most expensive thing about the whole party: Seven helium balloons.

Happy sixth birthday, Mr. Bear!

Lila Le Lou Turns TWO!

Lila's real birthday isn't until later this week, but we celebrated her in style this weekend. I'm not much for big parties. Personally, I'm not a "crafty" person and I don't enjoy decorating or coming up with fun games for kids. I prefer to think that I'm "old fashioned" when it comes to birthday parties - simple events with good friends. You could also say I'm cheap, but I think old fashioned is a nice euphemism.

Thanks to all of Benny's friends who now having siblings, Lila has quite a few built-in friends and we've met many wonderful families through Benny's daycare/pre-school. As a result, we (I) decided that I didn't want to host a big party at the house. There's a wonderful park about a mile from our house that's perfect for kids' parties.

Lila enjoyed playing with her friends and eating cake. She wasn't too keen on the happy birthday song (she wailed while we sang). Overall, I think she had a wonderful birthday party thanks to all the good friends. We didn't see too much of Benny because he was busy running around with his friends.

Nana Jean made Lila's cake this year. She does an amazing job!

All the grandparents representing!
My dad couldn't make it due to an early harvest.

Lila and her friend Addy.

Lila and her best school friend Blakey.

The kids played for an hour or so (and watched a wedding take place in a different area of the park!), ate a light dinner and then destroyed the awesome cake!

Happy birthday, my lovely little lady! You add so much joy to our family! We can't wait to see you grow and communicate and make more friends and learn!

Enjoy being TWO, Lila!

One Whole Hand!

Yesterday began the week-long celebration of Benny's 5th birthday. His actual birthday is on Wednesday, but we celebrated on Saturday with a party at the Denver Firefighters Museum. This was the first year we held a "destination" party - mostly because it's been so hot in Denver. We couldn't host anything at our house because we'd sweat guests out. The park where we've hosted parties in the past was out as well because of the heat.

Benny has grown into such an amazing, inquisitive, funny little guy. His giggle can lift my spirits in an instant and his never-ending questions never cease to amaze me. He wants to know how thunder and lightning are made, how computers work, why rainbows have color, how rain falls from the sky... His questions are beginning to stump me and I find myself consulting the computer for appropriate answers more and more.

Benny's birthday presents reflect his maturing interest in all things construction and mechanically related. Real tools, LEGOS, books, rockets. But he is still a little more in so many respects. He wanted a dragonfly cake (and Nana delivered!). He dressed up as a fire chief and played the role appropriately. His friends made his birthday very special by driving a fire truck, singing happy birthday and generally having fun. His grandparents made his birthday memorable by showering him with love (and lots of presents).

Happy 5th birthday, Benny!