.. more concerning Becca’s birthday. I am quite proud how it all turned out and so glad that I put forth so much energy to make it just right.

There were a few things I focused on for Becca’s party. I wanted it to be relaxed (no crazy pressure, no ponies, no psychotic clowns), environmentally friendly (as little waste as possible) and most of all a reflection of Becca. Becca being a huge nature buff, there was no question the party should be held outdoors. Being we do not have a backyard, the next best was our local playground. It was a little frustrating to prepare the food to be transported, but in the end it was worth it.

Waste was so minimal I was shocked. We took our own garbage bag (I did not want to fill the playground garbage, trek it in trek it out), as well as our compost bin. I had purchased plates from Target, so we were covered there (And they are cute for future picnics!), the only garbage we had were from the two not so environmentally friendly items we had. Becca adores balloons, so there was no question a few had to be present at her party. She also specifically asked for those annoying squeakers, so as wishes go it was a pretty attainable one. I will be looking to see if I can create a squeaker of sorts that can be reused, rather than squeaked, chewed (ew) then tossed.

The food needed to be kid-friendly and economical. So peanut butter and honey it was! The kids loved it and it was easy to prepare and move. We had vegetables, hummus, watermelon, crackers and of course the cake. I made way to much cake (I also prepared cupcakes, somehow the cake did not seem “enough” I was wrong!) I made the cake and icing from scratch then decorated it with nature items. I also tinted the icing with a splash of peppermint to give it a “green” taste!

Becca’s crown was created by me, based on a pattern in the book “The Creative Family” (great book by the way, very inspiring). I wanted to give her something extra special, created by her mom, just for her. She has had to compromise so much this past year, she deserved an extra little something. I am going to work on a crown for Ethan as well over the winter months, so he too can be extraordinary on his special day.

Presents I am always terrible. I try to be low key, but I want to give the kids tools to explore their creativity and imagination. Becca received a second hand bike early as part of her gift, however when I saw the kitchen for $50 (!gasp!), I HAD TO BUY IT! For real the same kitchen retails for over $170! She also received a collection of new books to read, as well as a Leapster (from her brother). Every gift giving opportunity J asks me if I am going to go low key and I agree, then as time goes on I collect little things here and there and next thing I know the children as spoiled *blush*.

Are your birthday parties for kids low key or out of this world? How do you decide what to buy the kids?

My dear sweet baby is now four. It happened in an instant, yet the last four years have been so full of adventure.

(I created the crown for her special day!)

Becca is the most resilient little girl. Enduring endless moving, good byes, making new friends, saying good bye to her cherished pet, creating new places to call home, all with grace. She amazes me everyday and I am honoured to be her mom.

(Becca had a party at a local playground)

This year has been particularly difficult. Being three is hard, in itself, without the other nonsense. Yet Becca has turned four and blossomed. She is curious, exciting and adventurous. She rides her bike, climbs, jumps, looks at her books, loves a good story and adores her friends. Swimming, hikes, nature and dinosaurs all rank top in her world. Cats, butterflies and fairies have captured her attention. She is learning her letters and numbers at her own pace, enjoying the process of recognition. She takes great pride in all that she can achieve.

(Becca about to blow out the candles)

She played soccer this year, although she now tells me that rather than soccer she would like to take ballet! She has become smitten with dresses and all things that are girly. Yet still gets down and dirty to play (gosh how I love her!) When we went on vacation she had the opportunity to reconnect with her best friend, who she misses dearly.

(Becca waited till her birthday to open the gifts from her Grandparents and Auntie)

Becca has fallen in love with her brother. Ethan, although “Mr Destructor Man” is also quickly becoming a faithful companion. She introduces him to others, and ensures that Ethan is included in play with others. She gives him random drive by hugs and enjoys wrestling him ot the ground (little does she know it will not be long till the table turn).

(We found this wooden kitchen for an amazing deal, Becca loves to pretend!)

Becca truly is an amazing little girl. She forever has changed me, becoming her mom was one of the greatest moments in my life. Making me, and all that surround her better people, just by knowing her.

Happy Birthday Boo. We love you!

(I hope to upload some photos on Flickr later today)