Exotic yet ordinary

Last month we stumbled across a small carnival set up in the parking lot at the mall in Bartlesville. We were getting a vehicle serviced at Sears and had plenty of time to kill, so we toodled over to see if Maya met the height requirement for any of the rides. Turns out, she did. And she loved it. We had to carry her kicking and screaming to the car with promises that we’d come again – and then hope like hell the carnival was still there the next time we were in town or that she would forget. It wasn’t and she didn’t and the skies darkened. But then I discovered the Kiddie Park! with all sorts of Maya-sized rides, like a ferris wheel! and a pirate ship! and bi-planes! and little boats! with DORA and BOOTS on them! and most importantly, a TRAIN! Not only could we get Maya to her carnival, we could do it for her birthday! We would be heroes! And it would totally make up for the fact that her mother, who always has good intentions, scheduled a visit with her pediatrician on her happy day.

So the skies cleared and planning began. By planning, I mean the obsessing began. What kind of cupcakes do we want (chocolate? strawberry? vanilla?), and do we want to actually make them ourselves or let the nice people at a chain store bakery bake them because, after all, it's their job to do so and I'm just a mom? And a head count! We'll need one! For invitations! So people will know there is a party in the first place. Oo! and a theme. We'll need one of those. At this point, Justin interrupts my birthday melt down with: Theme?? Birthdays have themes? And I start to hate all the other parents who make party planning seem so effortless, the ones who make their own decorations and fashion giant caterpillars from Fruity Pebbles and Oreo cookies (while secretly hoping to quickly befriend one and have them come over to help with my party).

Turns out, we didn't need a theme and we were able to invite guests by phone (go figure). Maya celebrated her 3rd birthday at the Kiddie Park with friends and family and cupcakes (strawberry and French vanilla) baked at home.

Happy birthday, little girl!






I don't wanna be a chicken, I don't wanna be a duck so I shake my tail...






Waiting in line...


Showing off her 'rad moves'