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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Big Snow Jan 2011!!!
Our biggest snowfall thus far in 2011 was today. Our town received over almost 2 feet of snow. the snow drifts exceed that. It's beautiful, especially being untouched by snow plows! Luckily, I don't have cabin fever, though being snowbound without a good vehicle to get me out. That's ok...the kids and I are enjoying our leisurely day.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Winter Birthday Fun
If you are like most moms, you want the best for your child and try hard to plan the perfect birthday party...especially when your little one turns the pivotal age of FIVE!
My daughter is a winter baby, born in early January. So, when it comes to having a birthday party in the home, your choices become somewhat limited...not to mention the thought of having to clean and organize the house for all the guests!
God bless those folks out there who started providing birthday parties OUTSIDE the home, offering a stress-free environment for the parents and a fun-filled time for the kids! I think McDonald's might have been one of the first ones to offer such a venue.
Now, we're in the 2000's and there are birthday party places popping all over the place. And with good reason: time and convenience. Parents nowadays are always pressed for time and are looking for convenient ways to get all that needs to get done in the 48 hours of the weekend. Enter the Ultimate Birthday Experience with XXX (enter name here.
I must admit that I was one of those people who didn't think it was necessary to have a birthday party at one of those places. I thought it was over the top and a bit pretentious. That was of course, BEFORE I became a mother of 2 young children under the age of 6, with one being a winter baby and the other a late fall! I always imagined my children's birthday parties to be at home, just like it was for me, with a few friends and some good ol' birthday cake.
Life takes you on a spin sometimes and until you lived the journey, you never really know what to expect! So, when I found myself stressed and anxious planning my kid's parties and wishing I didn't have it at my house, I explored outside venues. I figured, why not? Everybody I know has done it and they are fun and seem reasonable.
The first party we did like this was for my daughter's 3rd birthday. We held it at The Little Gym in Orange. She had been taking their gymnastics and dance program already and I know she loved it there, so we went for it and hosted her party there. It was teriffic! Kids got all their energies out playing on the equipment and being entertained, while parents were able to watch and enjoy. I didn't have to worry about setting up or cleaning up after...I could actually enjoy the party and socialize with my guests. That's something I find I can't do as well when I've had parties at home.
The second party we had outside the house was at The Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport for my son when he turned 4. It was great and a fun time for everyone. They loved riding the carousel the best. We added to our package and included an "animal encounter", which was informative and neat for the kids. They got to see and touch small animals, like a turtle, and learn a little, too. Everyone had the opportunity after the party to walk around the zoo. Unfortunately, it rained that day, so we were stuck inside the carousel building. but that didn't matter. Kids had fun and parents were pleased.
By far, my most favorite place to have hosted an outside party is at the Devon Duckpin Bowling Alley in Milford. From the beginning, I was welcomed graciously by the owners. The moment we arrived through the front doors, the owner made us feel completely welcome and "at home". He took care of all the details and kept the flow of the party going without me having to be concerned. It shows he cares about his business and ensures that the families are 100% satisfied. One last point...the price is reasonable and you have the luxury of a private party.
I highly recommmend any three of these places to host an "outside your home" party. Each has their own unique offerings and service. The zoo may be the least likely to go to during winter months, but keep in mind they are open all year long. The Little Gym of Orange is great for kids who are ready to burn their pent up energy. Devon Duckpin Bowling is fun for everyone.
http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3712099909/devon-duckpin-lanes-milford
So, maybe my dreams of home parties have diminished, I still feel like home at any of these places. I look forward to future parties now and spend my time a little less stressed.
My daughter is a winter baby, born in early January. So, when it comes to having a birthday party in the home, your choices become somewhat limited...not to mention the thought of having to clean and organize the house for all the guests!
God bless those folks out there who started providing birthday parties OUTSIDE the home, offering a stress-free environment for the parents and a fun-filled time for the kids! I think McDonald's might have been one of the first ones to offer such a venue.
Now, we're in the 2000's and there are birthday party places popping all over the place. And with good reason: time and convenience. Parents nowadays are always pressed for time and are looking for convenient ways to get all that needs to get done in the 48 hours of the weekend. Enter the Ultimate Birthday Experience with XXX (enter name here.
I must admit that I was one of those people who didn't think it was necessary to have a birthday party at one of those places. I thought it was over the top and a bit pretentious. That was of course, BEFORE I became a mother of 2 young children under the age of 6, with one being a winter baby and the other a late fall! I always imagined my children's birthday parties to be at home, just like it was for me, with a few friends and some good ol' birthday cake.
Life takes you on a spin sometimes and until you lived the journey, you never really know what to expect! So, when I found myself stressed and anxious planning my kid's parties and wishing I didn't have it at my house, I explored outside venues. I figured, why not? Everybody I know has done it and they are fun and seem reasonable.
The first party we did like this was for my daughter's 3rd birthday. We held it at The Little Gym in Orange. She had been taking their gymnastics and dance program already and I know she loved it there, so we went for it and hosted her party there. It was teriffic! Kids got all their energies out playing on the equipment and being entertained, while parents were able to watch and enjoy. I didn't have to worry about setting up or cleaning up after...I could actually enjoy the party and socialize with my guests. That's something I find I can't do as well when I've had parties at home.
The second party we had outside the house was at The Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport for my son when he turned 4. It was great and a fun time for everyone. They loved riding the carousel the best. We added to our package and included an "animal encounter", which was informative and neat for the kids. They got to see and touch small animals, like a turtle, and learn a little, too. Everyone had the opportunity after the party to walk around the zoo. Unfortunately, it rained that day, so we were stuck inside the carousel building. but that didn't matter. Kids had fun and parents were pleased.
By far, my most favorite place to have hosted an outside party is at the Devon Duckpin Bowling Alley in Milford. From the beginning, I was welcomed graciously by the owners. The moment we arrived through the front doors, the owner made us feel completely welcome and "at home". He took care of all the details and kept the flow of the party going without me having to be concerned. It shows he cares about his business and ensures that the families are 100% satisfied. One last point...the price is reasonable and you have the luxury of a private party.
I highly recommmend any three of these places to host an "outside your home" party. Each has their own unique offerings and service. The zoo may be the least likely to go to during winter months, but keep in mind they are open all year long. The Little Gym of Orange is great for kids who are ready to burn their pent up energy. Devon Duckpin Bowling is fun for everyone.
http://www.insiderpages.com/b/3712099909/devon-duckpin-lanes-milford
So, maybe my dreams of home parties have diminished, I still feel like home at any of these places. I look forward to future parties now and spend my time a little less stressed.
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