Birthday Parties on Galveston Island | Forty Something Parents

~ An Impromptu Birthday Party on a Budget ~

A day in the life of a seven year-old may not seem like super excitement to some, but yesterday, to my Nixi, was a blast! Yes, the day might’ve started out quite mellow — me singing her Happy Birthday when she awoke — but by day’s end, at the Joe’s Crab Shack restaurant playground, the running, playing, jumping, and laughter was oh-so abundant.

It was a last minute plan that sort of just hit me the day before Nixi’s big 0 7 day. And contrary to what a lot of folks believe — that homeschool kids are introverts who have trouble making friends — my Nixi makes friends where ever we may go. She has a few kids she has bonded with and calls best friends. I knew I had to invite them, and I was delighted to hear they could make it. Nixi didn’t know, and I could hardly wait to surprise her.

So…the day moved on (tick-tock), and I created party favors on a shoe-string budget…while still trying to keep it all secret from my very observant young’n. I skirted around the truth when she quizzed me on what the jars were for, that I was painting outside. She wanted to come help, and it was hard to not let her. But the chemicals I had to use for the project weren’t safe for her to be around.

Needless to say, I finished the party favor jars (made from recycled/reused Starbuck’s Frappuccino bottles), Nico picked up a few balloons and the cake, and we were off to destinations unknown to Nixi. The party was a HUGE success, even though a few friends couldn’t make it, and I knew our daughter would remember this birthday for years and years to come. –Perhaps a lifetime.

*Here’s to impromptu gatherings! And making friends, no matter what your circumstances.*

— Home School Birthday Party Fun at Joe’s Crab Shack on Seawall —

Seems like just-yesterday, we were welcoming our little Nixi into this world, and now…she’s five years old. My…how time flies when you’re having fun and chasing a little’n at the ripe ‘young’ age of 46! : P Even though my Nixi leaves me feeling quite exhausted most days, I find it invigorating just-the-same.

Today I found the energy to go for an hour-long walk along the ocean; pushing Baby in her jogger…all the way…for over an hour round-trip. I should feel drained, but I don’t! Instead…I feel like I actually accomplished something today. In fact…this whole week, since Sunday when Baby turned 5, has been a very pleasant…but busy, change to our regular everyday; which I admit has become quite monotonous.

One thing most folks know about me, if they know me at all, is that me and ‘monotony’ do NOT mix. I long for change…adventures anew, each and every day. I long to wander this vast globe of opportunity, and see the things many have yet to see. Still, I am stationary…for now! I keep telling myself, ‘Your days a-comin’ little lady! Your days a-comin.’ I look so-very forward to the rest of my life.

Seeing my youngest child growing so fast, my oldest with a child of her own (my only grandchild), and my son in the Army…away and very missed, reminds me I really don’t have all the time in the world. But for now…I am sharing some pics from her 5th Birthday Party. I hope it brings a smile to your face, and some joy to your heart. I know seeing them again, certainly made me smile. : ))

Enjoy!!