anticipation and great party expectations
sigh. i’m not sure what or how much to write. there was definitely a lot of dreaming, planning and effort on all our parts to make this 7th birthday special and really fun. indeed it was totally awesome - great friends came, delicious food was prepared, my rainbow cake turned out better than i imagined, the pinata was a blast, the kids worked on some creative projects….everything he wanted happened and he had some fun and happy moments but in the end it was quite overwhelming for him and he claims it was the most miserable birthday ever. i know he doesn’t mean that entirely but after working our butts off preparing cakes, shopping, food prep and yard maintenance over the past 2 days, it is disheartening to hear and i wonder how did we stray so far from simple? there are some greater issues, however, it is ever clear to me now that despite dreaming big and wanting it all, drawing the line and saying no can really be in his best interest. oh next year. but now some of the good stuff;
the day before;
the morning of;
good folk attended;
(Little M took his first real steps - several all a once);
play ensued;
Dob;
food and drinks enjoyed;
7 colors of the rainbow for my 7 year old boy;
his real birthday is soon and i always keep that very special day to ourselves. there’s still opportunity for my boy to shine, to love, to laugh, to enjoy the celebration of his 7th year (and for me to spend some undivided time with).
Ella, that cake is seriously awesome, I love seeing signs of tangible love that parents make for the little ones. I can commiserate with little A. I remember the build up to big days and somehow being disappointed by them, big imaginations can lead to that i think. It will be nice to celebrate his big day in a small way. Happy 7th birthday to Arlo!
Comment by ines — July 5, 2011 @ 4:43 am
Thanks for sharing photos. Well done mum of two!
House looks great, food looks yummy and lovely decorations and activities. Whats more important is everyone looks to be having a good time. Before the weeks out I am sure he will be talking about what a great day he had.
Beautiful green dress, wouldn’t advise wearing it with the crochet helmet thing if you are still looking for that self image update.
LOVE the rainbow cake
Regards Catherine
Comment by Catherine — July 5, 2011 @ 7:38 am
I would love to know what natural colors you settled on for orange and red? The cake looks awesome. The party sounded great as well but it can definitely be overwhelming for our little ones. I am sure it will be looked upon fondly in hindsight.
Comment by Erin — July 5, 2011 @ 10:04 am
Wow! That cake is epic!
Comment by Denise — July 6, 2011 @ 5:54 am
Do share more about the cake! Recipe?
Comment by Kristy — July 6, 2011 @ 9:53 am
I don’t often comment but I do stop by regularly and enjoy the snippets of your days here. I was especially moved by the photo of A in his knight costume a few posts back - looking tall and grown-up but still captivatingly immersed in his childhood imaginings. I think that movement between worlds - growing older yet still being pulled so strongly into the fantasies of childhood - can sometimes be overwhelming….and birthdays do seem to emphasise that tension.
From my point of view the party looked quite perfect - joyful and still simple - you did a beautiful job. And I’m putting in an extra vote for the cake recipe! Sending love from Australia.
Comment by katie — July 6, 2011 @ 5:15 pm
Everything looks perfect! You did an amazing job with all of it, Ella! Can’t wait to see you soon!
Comment by gwen elliott — July 7, 2011 @ 8:52 am
Well you did a wonderful job, although I can imagine how the words smarted. Funny how the simple things are often the best, with adults and children alike. I’m sure he’ll talk about it for ages though and you did an incredible job with the cake, lovelier for the fact that it’s all natural.
Comment by victoria — July 7, 2011 @ 11:02 pm
haven’t been here in awhile…it’s so good to catch up. that birthday cake is AMAZING. seriously. so so good.
“drawing the line and saying no can really be in his best interest”…man have i learned that lesson the hard way. so painful in the moment, but somehow in the end it’s worth it.
looks like a lovely party. hope you are well ella…xo
Comment by sherri — July 10, 2011 @ 9:47 am
wowee! that is one EPIC birthday party Ella! Well done!
Comment by Suzanne — July 13, 2011 @ 10:45 am
I too would love to know how you made that amazing cake! My 4yo would adore a cake like that… !!!
Comment by Tiph — January 12, 2012 @ 5:33 pm