Jo, my youngest, is a very willful, vibrant and fun-loving girl. Her stubborness drives me crazy, but her humor and silly antics, which she often uses to supress my anger, is simply irresistable. Unfortunately, she really knows how to play me and many others who have fallen under her magic spell. Oh my Jo. How do you have so much character at such a young age?
Jo turned three last week and to celebrate, we threw her a party that very much reflects her unique personality — a Rainbow and Unicorn birthday bash! We held it at our happy place, Kendo Creative, in the company of family and close friends.
The people Jo hangs out with on a regular basis are mostly adults — her titos, titas and Cubao Expo friends, so naturally, her party comprised of grown ups, as you can see in the photos. Even so, I made sure everyone had a little bit of fun.
As an ice breaker and to ease the guests into this fantasy land of a party, I passed around posters which told everyone, based on their initial and birth month, what their unicorn name is! Then we wrote them on name tags.
I got this chart from the internet and simply designed my own for the party. It was hilarious! Specially to see full grown men wearing name tags with the phrases cotton tail, cozy cuddles or silver socks!
Jo requested for a piñata. I made her a small one that’s rainbow-shaped, and also, at the last minute, made unicorn tin can centerpieces for decoration. So easy and so cute! (DIY soon!)
Along with that, we served simple merienda and Kayo made coffee. Then the whole time, I roamed around taking everyone’s Instax photos, which I also gave away as keepsakes. I even prepared backing for them using the same unicorn design so they can be used as bookmarks.
We ate, made colorful conversation, laughed, played, did art with the kids, celebrated Jo and showered her with love. Another simple party brimming with all the things that matter.
But the celebration did not end there, the very next day was Jo’s actual birthday. Kayo couldn’t be with us during the day, but I still wanted to do something fun that’s just us family, so I decided to take them to Kidzoona for an afternoon of play! Of course Jo loved being there and made sure to try everything.
Afterwards, as if we haven’t had enough sweets already, we went to Hello Kitty Cafe and enjoyed a few of their delectable offerings. I made them choose and every single one they picked had a pink Hello Kitty bow on it. Of course!
It was a lot of fun, even for me, and it makes me happy to see Jo happy. But all this time, while celebrating her turning three, I also couldn’t believe my baby is a baby no more. The last three years flew by so quickly and I’m grateful I didn’t miss a thing. But I know she’ll just become even more independent as she grows, so I hope and pray she stays bold and lively. I hope the purity of her joy never disappears and I hope she will always be aware that her family and so many other people in her life love her dearly, no matter what.
Oh and did I mention a big bright rainbow appeared in the sky at sundown? Well, the day couldn’t be more perfect than that! As Emma put it, “Jo, that rainbow is God’s gift to you.” I would have to agree. 🙂
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