Well, with this move it didn't happen. In fact, two years later I am still essentially living out of some boxes with half my life in storage. That is a long "tear in my beer" story - so I digress and focus on the subject here- her 4th Birthday.
Because I was not quite as settled in as I wanted to be and VERY pregnant (7 months going on 12), I decided to go to one of those 'places' again and host her 4th birthday.
Fairytale Town in Sacramento (http://www.fairytaletown.org/) is probably one of Maddie's favorite places. After one visit, we became members and decided that it would be an ideal place to host her party. Much like other "birthday in a box" venues, we had a short window of opportunity to create a magical experience for the birthday girl and her guests. However, I could have handed out PB&J sandwiches in a brown sack and skip the cake and the kids would have not cared. The focus was running all over Fairytale Town and having the time of their lives.
As you know, I can't just settle for ordinary. So, I rented a portion of the venue (Sherwood Forest) and the planning began.
The Fourth Birthday.
Inspiration: Toadstools, Owls and the Forest
Location: Fairytale Town, Sacramento, California
The Invitation.
I found an adorable invitation on Tiny Prints (sound familiar?) that featured classic looking toadstools and a forest scene. Unfortunately (I will blame my pregnancy for everything at this point) I don't have a picture to share.
The Goods.
This was my first birthday party in which we were no longer living in Madison, Wisconsin. Where would I get my cake? I heard about several bakeries around the area that are fabulous. I also had a work friend who makes killer cupcakes so I asked her if she would be willing to make dozens of cupcakes for the party. She agreed (thankfully, her cupcakes are better than some overpriced gourmet ones I have tried since moving here). I also found these precious fondant cupcake toppers of owls and toadstools on Etsy.com. Oh, how I love Etsy!
So, the cupcakes were homemade with love by Janet, toppers were hand crafted by a very creative Etsy vendor and they were perfect! Absolutely perfect.
I knew it would be impossible to get the kids to "sit" in one area - not at this venue. This place is fantastic so full of adventure and places to explore - there was no way these kids were going to stick around for the food. So, I decided to theme my 'food table' with typical (easy) park type of food: hot dogs, salad, finger foods, chips, fruit salad (served in a punch bowl and scooped into little cups) and the dessert. What kid doesn't love hot dogs?
The "nook" I rented had benches that I covered with traditional plastic (fancy) table cloths and created "forest" themed centerpieces. I bought all the supplies for the centerpieces at Michael's. Even looking back at these photos, I could have done so much more but just didn't have the energy.
The gift bags were filled with handmade stuffed owls (also purchased from Etsy), bubbles, and various other treats. I purchased butterfly stickers and attached them to clothes pins to seal each gift bag.
The Activity.
More than 30 kids ran wild around Fairytale Town - exploring, climbing, running, laughing - and having the perfect time! There was also a wonderful play structure just feet away from our area where the younger ones played while parents visited.
I truly didn't have to plan a single thing beyond providing a stopping point (for food), icy water (it was hot hot hot), and cupcakes.
All in all, everyone had a wonderful time! Considering I was due just two short months later- it was over as quickly as it started and clean up was a breeze. She felt that this party was "one for the books." That's my girl!
Her Actual Birthday.
My daughter attends a Montessori School in Sacramento. Aside from being one of the best programs for kids (totally biased), they have a most wonderful long-standing tradition to celebrate a child's birthday. The birthday girl or boy walks around the sun, with the world in her hands, as many times as they are old. It is a beautiful ritual, surrounded by friends, and looking at a photo timeline of their life. I thought I would share some photos from that tradition. My little girl was four. FOUR! Oye my grey hair!
Oh yes, you noticed? She is driving a Benz! That birthday gift (thanks to the grandparents) blew anything else out of the water. Now if she would only drive herself to school (or a job)...I would have been as equally blown away. (kidding ... I want her to stay tiny forever).
Post note: As my darling handsome (aka husband) was proofing this he asks, "No comment about me putting together THAT Benz?"
(climbing up on a chair) - WORLD! ATTENTION WORLD! This little Benz came in a box. Yes, a box. And even though it said minimal assembly required - it actually required a degree in engineering. My husband has quite a few degrees - engineering isn't one of them. After hours, sweat, possibly blood and certainly a few choice words - he felt as though he should be offered a job with Mercedes (as their chief engineer no less). For real. Props to the handsome - always going above the rainbow for his girls.
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