Summer turned five last month. I didn’t make any plans for her birthday because Summer had made plans herself. The older this girl gets, the more she wants to take control of things. Of course, as much as she would like to, we don’t just let her take charge of her life or let her have everything she wants. But we let her take over some things, like plan for her birthday celebration! Well…to an extent.
She was pretty specific about her requests. She even drew them out so I would know exactly what she wanted and not forget. Thankfully, there wasn’t anything in her list that was way over our budget or impossible for us to make happen. What she wanted was an ice cream themed party in her Lola’s house.
It had been raining almost everyday that week and an ice cream party seemed “out of season,” however, I thought it was a perfect theme for Summer’s celebration — frozen delights and bright colors! Besides, ice cream is a sure shot way to help lift spirits and brighten one’s mood!
We also made buttermilk waffles on the spot to pair with the ice cream, using our trusty Krups waffle maker which Kayo and I have had since our wedding day.
Aside from the ice cream, she requested for craft activities for her friends, an ice cream-shaped piñata, sticker giveaways, a rainbow cake and — her most amusing wish of all — that all her guests shout “surprise” when she arrives at her party. So we did all that, including her grand entrance, which she asked for. Except, I don’t think she understood exactly what she was asking for. Upon walking into the small gathering of family and friends who were all shouting a big SURPRISE, she got overwhelmed and folded up into my arms like a little koala bear. The attention was a little too much for her to handle! But despite all that, she obviously liked it and was so happy to be at her party with her friends and see all her simple wishes come true.
We set up a craft station where kids (and a few adults) can make their own air dry clay accessories in the shape of ice cream and stamp on pen cases using assorted hand carved rubber stamps.
Two days after the party was Summer’s actual birthday which, she decided, she wanted to spend ice skating! After the entire Frozen phase, this part of it stuck (Yes, they’re finally done singing Let It Go every waking moment!!) and they had been asking they’re Papa to teach them how to skate. So Kayo, who is a pretty good skater, finally took the girls skating for the first time on Summer’s birthday.
Summer seemed to have hated it at first because she had trouble keeping her balance. But after shuffling around the edge of the rink a couple of times, she started to enjoy it. Emma, on the other hand, stepped on the ice as if she was born to skate. She easily found her center and had a good time as well. They both want to go back to skate again! Then we ended the day with dinner, having Summer’s favorite — “sticky rice” at Tim Ho Wan!
I’m so proud of my Summer and very much amazed at this little person she’s becoming. She is full of life and wonder and is curious about everything. She tends to obsess about things which makes her able to take in detail and information like sponge. Her memory astounds me! She can be wild and loud at times but I think our home would not be as lively and colorful if it weren’t for her, our fast-growing ball of sunshine!
Thank you, dear Summer, for being such a source of joy and life to our family since the day you were born. We love you so very much!
Party Suppliers:
Rainbow Cake — S&R
Party Invite, Sticker Giveaways — Design by Nica Cosio, Printed by Novel Kreationz
Decoration, Piñata — Nica Cosio
Craft Station — Craft Party PH
Photos by Mare Collantes, Peppy Salita and Nica Cosio
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