Elliot's 5th Birthday - Bouncy Kingdom and Dinosaurs

Well, my littlest boy is turning 5 ..... and yes, I am in shock how fast the time has whooshed by us.

Mommy and Elliot five years ago...

Elliot is a rough and tumble kid, with a heart of gold, a hot temper and a devilish grin. 

Hugs and time-out all at the same time ..... but he always make me giggle!

For his 5th birthday (going to big school in the Fall!) we wanted to do something special and a little bigger than normal. He solved the dilemma for us by asking straight out for a bouncy kingdom and dinosaurs.

We invited about 25 kids (plus five of our own) because when you have a giant inflatable playground in your backyard you want to share the fun! 

This looks a little deflated, but everyone was on-board just for a picture!

As far as party games and activities went, we kept it to a minimum. Past experience has taught us to keep it simple. The two hours we had planned would zoom by and the kids would be quite content with the bouncy house and cake. 

With the wide range in ages of the kids coming (18mths to 10years) I picked up a few giant bottles of bubbles, boxes of sidewalk chalk and inflatable beach balls just to fill in the gaps.

Sidewalk chalk and bubbles!!!

Small water bottles, chilling on ice in big tubs were around the yard. With outdoor activities, kids are always busy working up a sweat! I'm not a big believer in soda or sugary drinks, especially with all the bouncing involved. 

For refreshments, we kept it easy-peasy with picnic favorites like watermelon, grapes, carrots, cucumber, cheese and crackers. We also threw in some organic purple tortillas and pretzels for some crunch.

We served this halfway through the party, buffet-style on the deck. A nice break from all of the bouncing, giggling and fun! 

I didn't spend much time or money on decorations as the party was outside. We did have a few balloons in the trees and helium bouquets around the cake table. This giant #5 was awesome and was still floating around our house a week later!

I found foam dinosaur hats at our local Dollarama. The kids got to take them home at the end of the party as an extra party favour. What else would one do with 30 dinosaur hats?!!!

Soon it was time to serve up cake and ice cream! Everyone came inside to sing Happy Birthday, grab a cupcake and headed back out for one last bounce until their parents arrived.

Elliot handed everyone a favor bag and thanked them for coming. These little treats were loaded with bubbles, chalk, Dino gummies and a boomerang to mimic the party theme.

It was a fun day with a great group of friends. Thanks to everyone who attended. :-)

Happy Birthday Elliot!!!

Saying Good-Bye to Grampie

Just thought I would pop in for a little writing therapy and share some of the goings on around here. Excuse the lack of pics and anything fancy as I am away from home for a bit and didn't bring my cartel of office extras ..... just me, my laptop and a story.

We are currently in the Annapolis Valley visiting loved ones after a death in our family. My husband's father was diagnosed with leukemia in September of 2012. After fighting through the first round of Chemo, he returned home for Christmas with us and slowly regained strength. But just a few days ago we were informed the cancer had returned. The doctors did all that they could, but there was nothing else they could do to battle this horrible disease. We were packing our bags when we received the call that he had passed away on March 21, 2013.

So now we have gathered with our family and friends to mourn his passing, but also to celebrate his amazing life. A cherished husband, father to 3 boys, grandfather to 9 grandchildren, son, brother, uncle, cousin, coach, community member. He will be dearly missed.

This heartbreaking time for our family has been a true testament of strength. I find that with each passing day it becomes easier to recall fond memories of our time together without the sadness. Our hearts ache with loss while our minds make plans for the future. Dealing with the loss of a loved one helps you gain stronger appreciation for those who are still here with us on this journey.

We have lost a number of great grandparents, great aunts/uncles since my husband and I have come together as a family. Our children have suffered these losses with us, but being at such young age, they have very little understanding of the meaning of death. This is the first extremely close family member that they have lost, and are handling the news of Grampie's passing well so far. My husband and I have decided that they will all attend the funeral which will be their first. I am sure there will be plenty of questions and tears on this day and the days that follow.  

Informing the kids of their Grampie's death has by far been the most "grown-up" thing that we have had to do as parents. Letting them know the details, but not too much. Keeping the information simple for them to understand. Ensuring them everyone else they love is safe and healthy. Letting them know that it is ok to cry and to ask questions. Letting them know that they are not alone, that many other children, and even their Mommy and Daddy have lost loved ones at their age.

We have a few days to wait until the funeral as we wait for family members to return home. These days have been the hardest as we yearn for closure. Family, neighbours and friends have spent endless hours here with us sharing fond memories and stories, loading our bellies with delicious food and filling our hearts with love and prayers.

It is at times like this that I am so thankful we were raised in such a glorious community.  And even though we used to complain that there was nothing to do in this small town, I am proud that we still call this "home." There is a fine line between friends and family and everyone knows your name. We are starting to sound like a country song here, but I like it that way.

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and blessings. And please cherish those that are traveling through this life with you. Each day is a gift, live it to the fullest.