Category: <span>Moments</span>
This was, by all accounts, a three alarm fire children’s party weekend. Evan and I hosted one for Sophia and we attended two others. To say that I would very much like a weekend to unwind is an understatement. I have vivid visions of pillows and blankets, lazy mornings, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes.
For the first time ever, Sophia had a clear vision for what kind of a party she wanted. “A mermaid party with a chocolate and vanilla cake, all our friends, and Alex…” said Sophia when we first spoke to her. I haven’t done too many themed child parties but decided that even I could tackle this one. Purple tablecloths, starfish, sea-shells, and pink and gold confetti set the stage for the tablescapes. I felt that though pretty, the sea-themed decorations would, on their own, will not have enough height to really stand out in the room. We decided that purple/blue and white hydrangea would add height and delicate femininity.
Hydrangeas, confetti, and balloons were mere decorations, but the real stars of the party were those who made time to come and celebrate Sophia’s BIG 5! Eliza, as we can see here, did not suffer greatly as the birthday sister. Not only did she get a few small birthday sister presents, but she was loved on by her aunt and uncle.
That’s a wrap. See you next year when we’re shifting to much smaller, more exclusive celebrations for the kids’ birthdays.
Today, Sophia is 5. Five. FIVE. Sophia made us Mom and Dad and together we embarked on this wonderful, at-times-challenging, but always heartwarming journey.
Sophia is a wonderful little girl. She’s has a gentle soul a lot of love to give. She is observant, bright, vivacious, stubborn, eloquent, kind, and possesses maturity and a sense of responsibility well beyond her years.
I can’t believe that she has been a part of our life for half a decade and I can’t wait for the next five. Happy Birthday, Love Bug!
Many years ago, when I was a little girl, my parents, sister and I would travel from Baku to visit our family in Ukraine over our summer vacation. I am the baby of both sides of the family, and in my dad’s case, the youngest of my cousins is sixteen a few years older than I am. The last time I spent time with him was when he attended our wedding and the time before that, I was five and tortured him with my antics to no end.
He, his beautiful wife, and adorable children visited with us this weekend and we really enjoyed spending time and getting to know each other. I am still coming to terms with the fact that we’re both grown up now (well, I am still coming to terms with the fact that I am grown up) and that we have kids and our kids could spend time getting to know one another.
This picture conveys the kids’ personalities just so.
Here’s my dad playing with Eliza and his grand-niece. This picture melts my heart.
Everybody found a partner in crime and, overall, the kids got along beautifully. I was pleased to see that naughty must run in my side of the family because both Eliza and her youngest cousin have the naughty streak.
And as for the grown ups? I learned/realized/uncovered that I truly enjoy my cousin’s company. You don’t choose your family, and if I could, I wouldn’t have chosen anyone else. Sensible, well-rounded, and lovely to be around. I am so glad our family came to visit with us all the way from Toronto.
