The morning started with the traditional birthday table. Favorite gifts were a "wind dancer" horse named "Scirocco" and a new dress from Grandma.
We invited all the girls from Elena's kindergarten class and two friends from church to her party. I remember my Mom throwing me the best birthday parties, and I really wanted this one to be special, so I threw out all the stops! We started by making Valentines (something I also did often at my parties as a child.) Then we moved on to the EPIC Treasure Hunt/Amazing Race activity. We formed two teams and had two inside races (socks-on-feet, and beading necklaces), then did two outside races (ball throw and DUELING pinatas), then did an indoor/outdoor treasure hunt. I wrote ten rhyming clues for both teams. I hid clues in the chicken coop, the Mary Garden, with the ladies across the street, in my Western Civ books from U of C, the dog dish, Katherine's high chair, in the BBQ, etc. The final clue led them to the washer/dryer and both teams got a real treasure: a box filled with small toys from the dollar store. It was a huge success and SO MUCH FUN.
Then we decorated cupcakes and sang to the birthday girl!
All in all, a wonderful time was had by all. I now have a renewed respect for kindergarten teachers and party planners. I also got way behind in my grading, course prep, and sleep.
