MONTHS ago I started planning my daughter’s 3rd birthday party. I created a Toy Story 3 inspiration board on Pinterest and had all these grandiose ideas of what her party would be like. I wanted it to be casual but cute, with lots of activities for the kids. I even made a schedule that showed when I would make the party favors, the food, etc. so I wouldn’t rush around the day of her party like last year. Then my husband lost his job and our future was undetermined. We didn’t know what city or state we would be living in, when we would move or even if we could afford a party.
So glad my office chair didn’t make it on the moving truck!
So flash forward and we’re now living in the Chicago area, having just moved here last week. The only items we have in our home are the things we could fit into our cars. The moving truck doesn’t arrive until tomorrow so we’ve been “roughing” it. Sleeping on air mattresses, eating off paper plates and until last Saturday, entertaining ourselves without the internet or cable television! The Toy Story 3 party was out of the question. Aside from not having the time or money to properly plan it, it just wouldn’t be the same without all of her little friends.
So instead we had a family day. We took my daughter to the Brookfield Zoo where she fed and brushed a goat, got to ride the giant carousel and her favorite activity, riding the tram. After a three hour nap (very atypical for my daughter – thank you to the zoo for wearing her out), we went to 2Toots restaurant where her food was served via train. After that it was home to have cake and ice cream and play Hungry Hungry Hippos. In her 3 years, this was the easiest birthday ever and probably the one she enjoyed the most.
Ok, not so much joy in this picture but at least she was looking AT the camera..lol!
Even though I didn’t get to throw her an elaborate birthday party with tons of “pinnable” pictures with every detail carefully planned, I did get to see the joy on her face as she got to spend the day with her two favorite people: mom and dad.
About Sarah
Oh I love this! Quality family fun, Happy Birthday big girl
Twitter: CinnyBBS
says:
Oh Sarah, I’m sure she was more than happy to spend her special day with her two favorite people! I know I’d love to spend my birthday with a family meal too but won’t be getting that luxury this year. Happy birthday to your little one!
Twitter: sstylechallenge
says:
Sometimes, it’s not all the work that matters, but the memories created. And I think you created some wonderful ones with your little one! At her age, the perfect party likely would have gone un-noticed anyway. Wait until she’s older for that
Also, welcome to the Chicago area, neighbor! I’m out in the NW ‘burbs.
Thanks for the welcome! I’m still trying to understand what area I’m in..lol – I’ve heard people call it the beginning of the Western burbs?
Quality time is what she will remember the most! She is adorable, and you have a beautiful family!! Happy Birthday!
YOu know what my favorite days are those that are simple! She looks so happy. Happy bday sweet girl!
Sometimes, it is the simplest birthdays that mean the most! She is adorable!
I agree (with the simple and adorable part…lol)!
Even without all of her little friends, it looks like she had an amazing birthday with family!
Twitter: FabFindsbyTiff
says:
Happy 3rd Birthday!! I remember really enjoying Jasmine at 3. Looks like you all had a nice zoo day. Hope you’r settling into your new place.
I Think she will remember this day you spent with her. Hope all works out you you all get settled in and welcome to Chicago.
Twitter: amomhavingfun
says:
How fun! It sounds like your daughter had a very special and happy birthday! We were just at Brookfield Zoo last week! Did you get to see the Butterfly Garden? My kids love it when the butterflies land on them.
Welcome to Chicago!
No, we didn’t do the butterfly garden this time but it’s definitely on my to-do list! We ended up buying a family membership since it’s fairly close to our house. I can’t wait to go back again.
Twitter: OMGhada
says:
Sometimes the simple things work the best! The kids don’t know the difference. Hope life is treating you weil in Chicago
Thanks! So far, I’m enjoying the city-ish life. We’ll see how I do tomorrow using public transportation with a gazillion other people!