It was Erin’s birthday this week and instead of a large party we had a series of smaller birthday treats.

On Monday we decided to treat Erin to her first visit to the cinema or ‘the movies’ as she now calls it (Dad’s a film buff and Erin can recognise and name characters from the Lord of the Rings, nothing weirder than a three year old saying ‘aargh it’s Gollum’ in a mothering tone)please note I am definitely not boasting here, in fact I think it’s kind of strange! We dragged ourselves out of bed for the 10.45 am showing of Madagascar 2. Unsurprisingly the cinema was dead, I think there were about six in to view the film. We treated her to one of the kids boxes and settled down. I was a little apprehensive (she’s already walked out of the pantomime this year) and it wasn’t long before she was asking to go home, the lights hadn’t even been dipped yet! I wasn’t ready to see ?20 wasted though and encouraged her to stay.

Once she realised that ‘the movies’ was nothing more than a ‘big dvd’ she was ok and started to get into it. The film was really good, in short the kooky bunch of aniamals from the first film try to leave Madagascar via the old aeroplane, the penguins attempt at fixing it fails and they end up crash landing in Africa, their native land. Alex, Gloria, Marty and crew meet their relatives and Alex is reunited with his long lost Mum and Dad. Of course Alex saves the day when the watering hole dries up and they all decide to stay in Africa and live happily ever after, or until the next instalment anyway. My favourite character was Moto-moto a sexy hippo (very funny), Erin only mentions the shark – who she didn’t like.

Lots of fun and I think she’s heading to ‘the movies’ to see Ice Age 3 next

We recently celebrated a first birthday. Erin received a lot of excellent gifts, here’s what I would have bought for a one year old.

1. Books

Books would be my number one choice. Erin loves them, they last for a long time and aren’t that expensive. Oh, and they are educational too

2. Light & Sound Toys

As much as I said I wouldn’t go the plastic fantastic route, Erin loves them and for solo play they are ideal.

3. Musical Instruments

Specifically rattles, tambourines and drums. All one year olds strive to make as much noise as possible, I figure if the noise is constructive then all the better for my ears

4. Walk/Push Along Toys

We have a wooden push along toy and a fairy princess sit and ride toy. Now I just need to persuade Erin to get up on her feet and use them!

5. Talking Teddies

Erin really liked these, so we bought her one for her birthday. Her initial reaction was…how can I put it…a little cold, but she has warmed to ‘Emily’ now.

Sunday 4th February 2007

Happy Birthday Erin.

I’ve talked quite a bit about Erin’s upcoming pink party.

On monday we bought Erin’s birthday presents. The first is a huge book of 365 stories, one for each day of the year, they are even marked with the date so we don’t forget. The other present is a pink bear, but this is no ordinary bear (with no ordinary price tag!), however, I think it will be an amazing keepsake.

We chose this pink bear. We gave it life with a heart and some fluff. A voice that says ‘Happy 1st birthday Erin, love from Mummy and Daddy’. A name, Emily. Some dignity…knickers, t-shirt and blanky. And finally a new best friend, Erin

A week or so ago I posted asking for help and inspiration for Erin’s impending first birthday where the theme is to be PINK, and boy is there going to be lots of it.

So here is an update of what we have so far;

Invitations

Pink invites have been bought and sent, I think I may have invited too many people, but hey, it’s too late now. I have requested everyone wear something pink, which I hope will get them in the mood for the party games.

Party Games

Pink Pass the Parcel; Pink presents include a princess colouring book, pink erasers, pink sticky notes, pink candy…all wrapped in pink wrapping paper.

Pin the Cherry on the Ice-cream; Thanks to Megin for this idea, I need to get cracking painting an ice cream

Pink Quiz; Questions all having something to do with pink.

Decorations

Pink lightshades (they were only £1), pink balloons, and we will buy a couple helium balloons too.

Food and Drink

Pink lemonade, pink punch. The usual party food with pink wafers and (maybe) dipped strawberries (if I have time). Desert will be ice cream with help yourself toppings and raspberry sauce. We have pink cups and still need to buy pink plates and straws.

So, as you can see, it’s going to be very. very, very pink.

Photo by flickr user cobalt123

**Help Help Help Help Help Help Help Help Help**

I’ve decided to have a traditional tea party in the house for Erin’s first birthday, which falls nicely on a Sunday (4th February).

I have decided that the theme of the party will be ‘Pink’.

So far my ‘thought shower’ (can you believe they have to call it that in schools these days??) has resulted in pink balloons, pink napkins and a pink dress code. Guys……friends…..fellow bloggers….I need HELP

I’d like you to throw some ideas and inspiration at me for Erin’s Pink Party. Food, party bags, fun & games….if you have a bright idea…or any idea at all please leave a suggestion. Thank You.

Photo by flickr user amigurumikingdom