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.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!!

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Huntington United Methodist Church » Blog Archive » House Tour

Huntington United Methodist Church » Blog Archive » House Tour

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Don't miss out on this annual event that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

It's November and I'm not ready for snow!

October was certainly a fun filled month. Fall craft fairs, my son's birthday party and of course, Halloween festivities. I was happy when it was all happening, but glad when it finally came to an end. I had a non-stop week up through Halloween night, so when November 1st hit, I gave a huge sigh of relief.

November seems to be the "in-between" month, where there isn't as much activity for our family and we just get ready for Thanksgiving. It's a time for us to slow down a bit before the madness of December celebrations begin. It's a time for me to reflect on life a bit, give thanks and appreciate my blessings.

Living in New England is wonderful. We get to experience seasonal changes and relish in old traditions. However, no matter how much I look forward to this time of year, I do NOT look forward to the New England weather!!!! Though my children came screaming and jumping for joy this morning for the little snow we had on the ground this morning, I can say my heart fell and first thing I did was see if the kids had school! To my dismay, they do. *SIGH*

So, as I begin my Monday morning dragging the kids out in this cold, wet, slippery weather, I will remind myself that I have a roof over my head, heat in my house and that this is all part of living in CT. Who knows, tomorrow could be sunny and warm! Someone once told me years ago that if you don't like what you see outside today, wait, it will change tomorrow. That's something I can look forward to, at least!

Childhood Literacy Development – Early Childhood Literacy - Parenting.com

Childhood Literacy Development – Early Childhood Literacy - Parenting.com

An interesting article about how crucial it is to read and talk with your child early on in life. Yes, children learn quite a bit from school, but it truly starts at home. Parents are the first teachers. Take time to read to your child EVERY DAY! Have conversations with them and get them to talk as much about their day. These are all important things we can easily do to ensure our children have a good foundation as they enter their school career.

Storytime at Sassafras - for those who love children's books, this is for you.

I'm very excited about my first-ever Storytime hour at Sassafras Restaurant next month, October 17th at 4pm.

I will read from the Barefoot Books collection, two of which are Driving My Tractor and The Beeman. Barefoot Books books are fun, colorful and interactive. I'll have puppets along with me and children will have a chance to do a craft as well. I am happy to have this opportunity to share these beautiful books to the community.

Sassafras will have their delicious ice cream to serve as a treat afterwards. For $2.49, kids will be able to make their own Mr. Sassafras (an ice cream clown). There is no charge for the storytime or craft. A nominal donation is suggested, but not required.

I will have many of the Barefoot Books on display for parents to view and purchase. The holidays are coming and now is the time to stock up on some of those gifts. Grandparents are especially interested because books are the gift that keeps on giving time and again.