Birthday parties..They're a Good Thing.

Ever wish you could relive your childhood?..okay, maybe not all of it but just the good parts. The hide and seek games at dusk, the great birthday parties that you didn't have to organize- just show up looking cute, swinging on the swings in the park without a care in the world, the saturday in June where your dad would just make your whole year by telling you he was taking the family to LaRonde (or Belmont park if you lived in Mtl.)
I've found that being the mom of a toddler sometimes allows me to become a kid again without making a fool out of myself..most of the time. Not that I'm living vicariously through Brandon. I'm just helping him discover the world we live in and how much fun it can be.
I mean you really can get away with a lot of things being a parent. For example, you can swing as high as you can on the park swings, dig big holes on the beach, have fun feeding the goats in the Mall's easter farms, ride the carousel in the neighbourhood fun fair. As long as you operate under the guise of being a devoted parent and the trick is to make sure your toddler is nearby. people pretty much ignore you and the fact that you might be having a lot more fun than the kid

This weekend we went to a birthday party thrown by a friend of mine for her daughter's 1st birthday. I have to admit, when they announced it was time for games, I felt a rush of excitement come over me. When I saw them arranging the chairs in that familiar lined up position, I couldn't contain my enthusiasm and jumped up. "We're gonna play Musical Chairs, Brandon..isn't this FUUUNN?!" He just gave me a strange look.
Since he was too small to really play any of the games by himself. I "graciously" offered my assistance to make sure he won at least one of the coveted prizes from the prize bag. From a gang of 30 kids, we were whittled down to the last 5,4 and then 2 people vying for a seat in that one single chair. When everybody heard the announcement that only Ryan and Stacy were left to play, i think people then start scratching their heads wondering what happened to Brandon. I simply told everyone that his little legs were too small to run and i would complete the game for him. Round and round we went and when the music stopped , one small push to Ryan's shoulders and I landed on the coveted seat. Cheers and applause as i ran to get brandon to "congratulate " him and we went to collect my , I mean, his prize

Brandon with his 8 helium balloons and Kimberley.

What would a party be without a Pinata?

Here are the kids making sure every single candy and toy have been picked up from the floor. and Brandon checking his loot.

I loved this idea. A juice fountain!...although not very toddler friendly. Brandon has already filled up 3 glasses of punch and is working on his 4th.

I really have to hand it to Alana who really knows how to throw an absolutely great party. Everything was excellent ,well-planned and executed. The themed decor of Strawberry shortcake and pink and purple were oh-so girly, the face painting clown, the games and then the seamless move from Kiddies party to adult party at night

If there is anybody wanting to organize a birthday party, anniversary or whatever- I highly recommend Caribbean Paradise on Newman Blvd in LaSalle for your catering and even hosting the event for you. Their food is mouth-wateringly good. They specialize in Chinese "Guyanese style" food. On the menu that night was Fried rice, their house specialty of yellow chow mein noodles and fried chicken, goat meat, dhalphorie rotis and salad. Even desserts were great- thanks I'm sure to Alana's baking. Currants rolls, a delectable and moist coconut/fruit bread and various other desserts were laid out after dinner

And of course, here is the birthday girl who i saw later in the night jamming away to the melodious tunes of Rupee. happy 1st Birthday Cintra and many more to come!!

Stay Tuned for my next blog: East vs. West ..Indians.