Birthday Carnival

Almost a year ago, Grandma asked if she could host Hope's birthday party at their house. When the party finally rolled around, it was evident to everyone that she'd spent tons of time and effort to make it adorable, fun, and really special for Hope.

Besides all the carnival games that Grandma made by hand, there were festive decorations, carnival music, and an immaculate backyard for all the kids to enjoy. And Uncle E's friend Dan dressed up as a clown, and taught himself to make balloon animals just for the occasion. All the kids had a great time playing games, winning prizes, getting face paint and balloon animals, and playing in the playhouse and teeter-totter (Hope's gift from Grandma and Grandpa). Lunch was carnival food, eaten picnic style in the yard. Simple, but so nice!

I think what made the party special for me was all the people that were showing their love for Hope by being there. Some of our guests drove an hour or more just to be there for the afternoon - wonderful friends that we don't see as much as we'd like to! Grandmom and Grandad flew in from Texas for the party. And the famous "Grandma Pickle" (Grandma's mom) and cousin Josie traveled 6 hours each way to spend the weekend with Hope!

Uncle E and Aunt K were such great sports. Not only did they line up the clown for us, but they were both enthusiastic carnival workers, willing to wear fake moustaches and silly hats and help a bunch of kids they don't know play carnival games. And throughout the party I called on Uncle E's freakish abilities as a carnival barker. As in, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! Step right up! Get your cotton candy!" 

And, of course, Grandma and Grandpa thought of every detail. Grandpa knocked himself out to get the yard in perfect shape and set up all the 'stuff,' and Grandma planned and worked for months to make this carnival happen. From the cotton candy machine to the prizes and right down to the hot dog wrappers, Grandma thought of ~everything~ and it showed!

The carnival ended with a birthday parade, led by Hope and the clown. The kids just marched around the yard, making music with their instruments and singing Happy Birthday to Hope. Again, it was simple, but Hope said that was her favorite part :)

We are friends with some wonderful people, but I believed every one of them that said it was one of the best birthday parties they'd been to. And most importantly, Hope couldn't possibly have enjoyed it more!