Celebrating In A Pandemic

 Dearest Friends,

It's been to long since we've last corresponded. How I've missed writing to you all, how I've missed connecting with you through my writing.

How have you been? Truly, I would love to know.

Before we celebrate the then and now I want to take you back to a time, a time that wasn't that long ago in which we all learned how to celebrate at home with just our immediate families. For some it was tough, especially for the milestones that were reached, like graduation or a milestone birthday. When we reach those BIG milestones we want to be able not just to shout it from the rooftops but to throw a grand celebration for doing so! How do we do that while being in lockdown? 

The creativity started to flow as people had time, time to think, time to plan and time to execute it. 

There were virtual birthday and graduation parties, drive by parade with big banners, porch pick up and drop off birthday parties and so much more! The creativity seen during lockdown was nothing short of astounding. I absolutely loved seeing all the different and creative ways that people came up with to celebrate their loved ones. It inspired me to get creative! Did you?

We were in Florida visiting my In-Laws April of 2020 during lock down and travel bans. We had purchased a truck prior to COVID hitting and when my husband lost his job it was no time like the present to head out, pick it up and see family.  We quarantined for two weeks on our farm before heading out to be on the safe side for those of you shaking your heads.😜 

Although excited to visit my In-Laws I couldn't help but be a bit bummed as my middle son's 6th birthday was two days away and I had no idea how we'd celebrate it, how to make it special for him. With everything closed even the beaches I wondered how I could make it special. His 5th birthday was a bit of a bummer as he was with us in the store when we picked out his birthday presents and he picked out the bike he wanted and walked it through the store.🤦‍♀️ It was just the way it all worked out, you just make the best of it. He wasn't bummed at all, he enjoyed his 5th birthday. Kids are amazing like that.🙏 This Mama though wanted his birthday to be extra special this year to assauge my mom guilt from his previous birthday. 🙃

When asked what kind of birthday he wanted he immediately said, "HULK Mom!" His favorite Avenger is the Hulk. 💚💪👊 

Two days to plan an amazing and unforgettable, Hulk Birthday Party while in quarantine. No stress! 😬🙃 All I have to say is THANK YOU Prime!!! Best investment ever!! Prime Next Day Delivery is AH-MAZING!! 

I tried a balloon arch for the first time and highly suggest one, it turned out amazing and it was worth all that blowing! Next time I'd invest in a balloon air pump though.😉



Grandma blew up most of these and put the balloon arch together. 😁🙌


Grandma & Grandpa hung it up for us on the barn and it looked amazing!! This picture doesn't do it justice.

I know he asked for Hulk but I couldn't get a Hulk themed balloon arch in time so I went with this one as it fit in with the Avenger theme. 

You can find the balloon arch and the foil number balloon here on these Amazon links below...

108pcs DIY Balloon Garland Kit... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VQCZX48?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

40 Inch Jumbo Red Number 6... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S2LH38S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Next up was his Hulk cake that I literally had just a night to put together as I wanted my son to be surprised so I waited for him to go to bed before I started working on it. It turned out better then expected and best of all Wyatt loved it and was in awe! From scratch chocolate cake with Buttercream icing and it did not last long.😋

My fondant Hulk fist 👊

I didn't have enough time to let the fondant Hulk fist dry completely so it sunk into the cake, instead of sitting on top.🙃


The morning of my son's birthday I was scrambling on ideas to make this day more fun for him as I never think I'm doing enough so I tend to go overboard sometimes, okay maybe a lot of the time. 😂  When I came across a birthday gift scavenger hunt on Pinterest though I knew this was what was needed, this would make his birthday more, it would be the WOW factor! So, while Grandma made him a special birthday breakfast I got to work. 😁

It's Mickey Mouse, no wait it's a bear! Either way they were cute and he loved them.


Look at his smile! 😍

Pictures were next and he thought his balloon arch was AWESOME!😁🙌


For the life of me no matter how many pictures I take of them I can never get them looking at me and smiling together. I applaud those that can.

Her laugh, his bored look...priceless to me.😄


We served up his favorite lunch of beef hotdogs and macaroni. My least favorite meal of all time is his favorite meal. 🙃 Then we took a walk at the park (no playground time) as we had to stretch out the birthday activities to make it last all day. 😁


Then it was time for Grandma's homemade ring toss game which the kids loved!

This one preferred to hula hoop. 😄


Now it was time for the PIÑATA!! The kids had been waiting all day for this, for a piñata filled with candy, cookies, toys and fruit snacks. 🎉 It was time to take on the Avenger Dinosaur! Hey when you can't find Hulk or anything Marvel piñata you improvise.😁🙌

Grandpa & Daddy working together to hang this gigantic dinosaur up. 🦖


The moment I've been waiting for all day!! My epic birthday scavenger hunt!! 


Let the fun begin! 





Grandpa surprised Wyatt with his own fishing toolbox and a trip to the pier for some nighttime fishing. It was a unique and most memorable experience for us all. 



His own fishing box.

Nighttime fishing.

Grandma keeping the littlest entertained.


Minnows as fishing bait.

What a sunset!!😍

A gorgeous ending to an amazing day!

What made this birthday unforgettable and the most memorable birthday ever was my birthday boy hugging me at bedtime and telling me, "Mom, this was the best birthday EVER!" 


Affectionately Yours,

Erica


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