Birthday Wishes

Just before Christmas we had a call from a mum wanting to know if she could have a birthday party for her 4year old daughter, the very next day. Ever one to rise to a challenge, Mark said sure, we can do it.

How many children would there be?   Just one said the mum. The little girl just wanted her mum and dad at her birthday, but could it be at a farm.

I had CSA committments that day so it was mainly up to Mark to get the food ready. He baked a heart shaped banana cake and baked some crackers to have with the hommus. While I was out I bumped into my good friend Vicki, the story teller and she said she could make it to the party to tell the seasonal story. When I got home I iced the cake and made the hommus and some fruit and yoghurt ice blocks. In the morning I made pink lemonade, popcorn and fruit kebabs.  Up went the bunting decorations, the table was set for three and everything looked pretty.

 They had to drive for over an hour and they got lost, so were a little late. And the dad at the last minute was unable to make it, so just the mum and her child. It felt a little funny at first with just two at the party, but Vicki and I joined in and soon it felt natural. A young child needs very few guests at their party and this mum was clever to realise it and feel comfortable with idea. We had something to eat and drink and we got to know each other a little. Then off for the farm adventure. Jane was full of wonder and slowly took in every little thing and her mum continually said how grateful she was and how much she loved everything. We fed the ducks and geese, collected eggs, fed the pony and the guinea pigs and listened to a beautiful story about sunflowers and bees.

 

After the story we gave Jane her take home gift. A jar of honey and some sunflower seeds. She held that jar of honey in her hand and stared at it with awe and wonder. She said words like refraction and reflection and wise, wise Vicki said, "I know just what you mean. It glows in the sun" and Jane said "Yes, yes that's it" and danced around with her honey, holding it up to the light of the sun

 

 

It was one of the most beautiful parties we have had. Just one child and her beautiful mum. She wanted to give Jane a simple, child centred birthday and was very happy with the result. And Jane went home a very happy little girl full of wonderful memories of her day on the farm.