A COVID-19 6th Birthday Party

Jude's birthday was not at all what we had planned. I had tickets to take him, along with a friend to the Netherlands vs. Spain men's soccer match. We were going to bring a few of his friends to his favorite amusement park, Oude Valkeveen to celebrate his birthday and we were going to have a party with his classmates at school and at home. With all of that out the window, we started thinking how to make it the best birthday possible at home. The act of buying things online, planning, decorating and baking for the occasion really lifted my mood. It was a welcome break in the monotony that has become life. I highly suggest that if anyone is feeling down, plan a party, no matter the occasion. Go through the motions of it all and I think it will help!

Jude's day started with pancakes with strawberries and cream from daddy. Then he was allowed to open a present before the scheduled afternoon party. We gave him his dress up clothes to open, knowing that he would enjoy spending the day in costume. I had planned a zoom meeting with his classmates at 10am. Even before this happened, the online learning from his teachers included special greetings for him and the task for the other kids in his class to come up with birthday greetings for Jude. I received a text message from the father of a sweet girl in Jude's class. It said to look outside. He had just dropped off a little gift she had made for him. I don't even know how they figured out where we lived! Later in the day, a mysterious package arrived, wrapped, but with no note. Days later I learned that it was a group birthday present from the Shark Class to Jude, organized by the other parents. All of his friends made cards and videos to wish Jude a happy day. And his sweet friend Sam went above and beyond, baking him cupcakes and delivering them in person with a thoughtful gift later in the afternoon. Another friend also did a drive by to wish him a happy day and the 50 cent song "It's your birthday" blaring from the minivan made my day. Jude felt really loved that day and as a parent, there is nothing else you can hope for. I really think this was the most special birthday he has ever had! And I know he (and we) will remember it forever.

Present from his friend

His favorite movies now are Rio and Aladdin

Very pleased with all of his birthday greeting on Zoom

Obviously, he needed an outfit change mid Zoom. 

Working on his craft kit

Birthday drive by from Lien, Gabriel and Faris. It was really nice to see friendly faces today. 

Pete created an awesome scavenger hunt. 

The scavenger hunt led to the pile of Jude's presents. Present opening time was decidedly the least favorite part of Maeve's day. Her transition out of afternoon naps has been difficult for everyone. 

Mystery present from his classmates

Grateful for the timing of his birthday to have an influx of new toys and legos for him to play with while at home! 

Maeve was a super helper setting the table for the party

Both kids wanted confetti cake cupcakes for their birthday this year and with our supplier (aka grandparents) unable to deliver (visit), I made the batch with my last box mx and froze half for Maeve in 6 weeks! Hope they thaw ok! 

He promised it was a very good wish

After cupcakes, it was the moment the kids have been waiting for- Pinata time! And not just any old pinata. Our hand-made, Corona Virus pinata! If the video below inspires you to create and bash in your own corona virus, this was very easy to make and you probably have everything you need already in your house.

1. Blow up a balloon

2. Tear old newspaper or ads into 2x2 inch squares (roughly)

3. Mix 3 tablespoons flour with 1/4 cup warm water. Stir to dissolve. Add more room temp water until the consistency is like milk

4. Place the balloon on a bowl, tied off end down. Starting at the top, add pieces of paper dipped in the water solution. Try to let the liquid drip off before putting it on the balloon so the balloon doesn't get too wet (it will take longer to dry) and so that you don't run out of liquid. 

5. Cover the entire balloon with paper, leaving a 3 inch hole at the bottom around where it is tied off (this is where you will remove the balloon and stuff the pinata). 

6. Repeat the coverings 2 more times (more if you want it really sturdy)

7. Let it dry, decorate, fill with candy, duct tape the opening closed, poke a large paperclip through the top to make a loop. 

8. Hang and whack the heck out of the corona virus! 

Sufficiently sugared up, the final surprise was the purchase of Rio 2 and movie night. 

It was a very good day