A dino-riffic birthday

Before the onslaught of holiday related posts I wanted to share all the fun of Noah's party.  I had originally planned a Pirates and Princesses party but decided some of the activities I wanted to do might be better for an older crowd - so I decided to opt for the 'simpler' idea of a dinosaur party.   The first thing to note is no party is simple when I get involved - I can't help myself everything has to fit the theme.  I kept it as simple as I know how because after all we were flying away on a big overseas holiday a mere 36 hours later!! This was such a fun party though and I'm really happy with how it went.

The Birthday Boy - I forgot to put this little gem on the table in all the rush but it looked nice on the cupboard upstairs with all the birthday cards.

The Dino Dig site

These party hats were so cute (made from a printable file I bought on Etsy)

The treat bags were very simple but how cute are the badges.  Made using a printable cupcake topper and then asking very nicely at my local Marine Discovery Centre if they would let me use their badge maker. 

The Cake (I find there is never time amongst all the other party stuff to make a 'shape' cake - but Noah loved this one and was especially thrilled with the mini bunting.

I had so much fun coming up with theme foods and silly little puns.  Rob had no end of fun laughing at me when I put bottles of Jurassic Juice (green cordial) and Glacial water on the table.

There was a Sweetivore sign too but I must not have taken a picture of it. (Printables are from Celebration Shoppe)

Foam Dino masks from Oriental Trading were loads of fun for kids and adults!!

The Dino Dig was the only organised activity (besides Pass the Parcel) and it was more of a hit than I could have imagined.  Noah and I made our own rocks with little plastic dinosaurs inside - the kids had to find them and then use tools to get them open and make a historic discovery.  We also put some wrapped chocolates and some loose dinosaurs in for the smaller kids.  I'll share the recipe and some pictures of the creation process for the rocks tomorrow.

As always the hard work was worth it and it was a really fun day.   Thank you to everyone who came and for all the lovely presents you bought for Noah.

Home Again

So good to be back in front of a 'real' computer.  I love my iPad but all that two finger typing is so painfully slow.   We had a wonderful, if not somewhat hectic, holiday.  I can't wait to start looking through the 2000 plus photos and sharing some of them on here.  I had planned to blog as we went along but good quality wireless access was, harder than we expected, to find.

Last week was all about settling back into the house and getting Noah back into a good sleep routine.  It was great for him to be back to Kindy and Music and catching up with all of his little friends.  We spent lots of time at our local playground and scooting around.  You really can't underestimate how much the little ones enjoy the sanctity of their own home surrounded by their favourite toys.

Come back and visit often this week - I hope to blog every day.

Noah Hoe Down Dancing

Some impromptu Noah hoe down dancing at Disney... completely unscripted (by anyone!!)

Disney or Bust

A quick report from Disneyland. First of all we made it. After a harrowing wait on standby with about 15 other people we were called to be checked in almost 15 minutes after the flight should have departed!! On the plane we were all seated separately around the plane but after Noah's 'chit chat' through takeoff the friendly passengers seated around him were more than happy to give up their seats To Mummy and Daddy (hehe).

The jet lag has been pretty horrendous. Firstly Rob did the midnight horror from Perth so he was down one nights sleep before we even started the long haul sector. Noah slept a little bit on the plane but by the time we arrived at LAX it was midnight Sydney time and without a hotel room to check in to we all had to soldier on. If you're keeping count Rob was now into his second night with almost zero sleep and Noah and I were a night down too. We are all slowly catching up.

Disneyland has been beyond amazing. Even though I've been several times before seeing it through Noah's eyes it's like the first time all over again. Noah calls it 'the real movie' and is in a constant state of awe and excitement. He rode his first roller coaster today after barely making the height requirement (tippy toes) and loved it.

So many adventures to be reported and pictures to be shared soon.

Classic Quotes

I don't always remember to keep a note of Noah's funny little comments -  I couldn't possibly it would be a full-time job.

Tonight as we had our story time before bed there was some discussion about families and brothers and sisters.  Noah says to Rob - 'you're a boy and I'm a boy - we're the same' So I said yes that's right what is mummy?
'Mummy you're a woman'.

Apparently now that he's three he knows about women!!

Happy Birthday Big Boy

Dear Noah

It's 8pm and you are tucked up safe in bed (you sleep in the top bunk now) Your 3rd birthday is all over.  You, me and Daddy have had an amazing day.  We started slowly all in bed together opening presents.  This year Mummy and Daddy thought you were a big enough boy to have a camera of your own.  You were thrilled with it and I'm sure you will take lots of great photos on our big holiday to America.  You were just as thrilled with the $2 packet of dinosaur stickers - it's all about dinosaurs this year.

After much silly discussion over the last few days about what it would mean to turn 3 you were convinced this morning that your feet had gotten bigger but assured me your hands were still small.

Over the last few days Mummy has been very busy with all the preparation for your party.  You have been a great helper but you have also been very kind with words (and even a handmade card) of thanks and appreciation.  Today as Daddy swept the backyard you said 'Thank you for getting my party ready Daddy'.  That's the kind of boy you are kind and thoughtful.

Your party was a roaring success (no pun intended) and you were a gracious host.  You thanked everyone for coming and bid each group farewell with shouts of  'I Love You'

You are surrounded by wonderful family and friends and everyone adores you.  You are so generous with your hugs and kisses and always have a smile on your face.

Tonight after all the excitement of the party we have had some time to look through your presents and you and I had a lovely bath together - it really has been a fun and special day.

Happy Birthday my precious Noah-saurus, I love you.