Story Cubes

I recently read about Rory's Story Cubes and couldn't wait to buy a set for Marin. She has a crazy, fun imagination and this game has provided many hours of fun for all of us! Nine cubes. 54 images. To play, simply roll the cubes and begin with "Once upon a time..."

Balloon Birthday Surprise {Marin's 5th Birthday}

Shhhhhhh.....

Steven and I had so much fun hiding 20 balloons in Marin's room last night. We weren't sure what her reaction would be. We crossed our fingers hoping it didn't FREAK her out. What a relief to see this smiling face!

We selected 16 photos of Marin and people she loves from the past five years and taped them to the end of each balloon. So hard to choose from so many good memories! Below is a shot of Marin and her Paw Paw Benny at her first birthday party in 2008. And another of Marin meeting her cousins Julia and Jonathan for the first time in 2007.

We all gathered in her room and talked about all of the fun times we've had since she was born and pulled our her memory box that has photo albums from each of her birthdays and various memorabilia (new born outfits, first drawings, ballet shoes etc.).

You can't tell from the pictures, but poor Marin was diagnosed with walking pneumonia two days ago, so we had to cancel her Mermaid Swimming party. It was important to me that we think of other ways to make this days special. So after the balloon surprise, she opened a gift from us and we had chocolate chip pancakes.

After our morning, filled with a variety of celebratory events, hit a lull, Marin turned and said, “I think it’s time for a party!”

I laughed and said, “well, I think we’ve enjoyed all the ingredients of a birthday party” and I began to list them counting each item on my fingers. “Balloons, a present, special food, and singing."

She paused in thought and then said: “We need more ingredients!”

“Oh yeah,” I said, “like what?”

Wiggling her index finger she grinned and said: “Family.”

She's right. Celebrating life just feels better when you share the celebration with extended family. I'm so glad she recognizes that.