Last weekend we traveled an hour away to my parents' home to celebrate my daughter's 6th birthday. It's hard to believe how fast these six years have passed. The old saying of the days being long, but the years short is 100% true.
Soon after arriving, I wanted to walk around the house to see what was new. It had been a long time since I actually visited my old stomping ground. Many things have changed in town, as well as at my parents' home. It seems all the trees are now mature skyscrapers. When did that happen? The cranberry bogs at the end of the road are filled in. No more ice skating! Parts of the house have been fixed up, and some parts need a little painting. We have painted the house many times over the years. Living on the coast does a number on the facade. The yard was beautiful to take in. It made me feel nostalgic and joyful to be home again.
The kids quickly changed so they could go out and play! My parents had already set out the sprinkler. While they played, we fired up the grill to get the party rocking!
We had a few munchies before the meal. Lots of chips, dip, salsa and pink lemonade. Once the hot dogs and burgers were ready, it was a stampede to the deck. The kids dropped their bubbles and buckets and picked their seats at the table. We had all the fixings to top it off. Just ketchup for the kids, mustard and relish for the adults.
The corn on the cob was the sweetest I have ever tasted. Mom thought we bought too many ears, but it was quickly devoured and there was not one ear leftover!
Presto, change-o! After we ate, it was time to dry off and go inside for the cake and ice cream. Mom set up the table while I kept the birthday girl (and the rest of the gang) outside so as not to see the decorations.
My daughter picked out a BJ's marble cake with yellow butter cream icing (her favorite color). It was delicious! Everyone commented on the high level of moistness and how the frosting was not overly sweet. Birthday girl had a rose, too, of course!
Birthday girl opened her gifts and had a fun-filled day with her family. Here she is receiving one of her presents; a jewelery box with a little ballerina inside. She looks pretty happy. 🙂
On the way home, we stopped to get an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts. I had to work that night, but the exhaustion was well worth it. It was a great day of memories. My latest favorite iced coffee is a toasted almond, with Splenda and Cream. Mmmmm….
Here is the breakdown of the party costs that fed 10 people generously (with plenty of leftovers):
Heluva Good French Onion Dip (twin pack/24 oz) – $6.19
Newman's Own Salsa (not purchased at BJ's) – $2.79
Pick n' Pack (Tostitos Scoops & Doritos) – $5.98
Country Time Lemonade – $5.59
Coke (2L/4 pack) – $5.19
Arnold Hot Dog Rolls (28 ct) – $3.79
Arnold Hamburger Rolls (32 ct) – $3.79
Land O' Lakes White Cheese (1 lb) – $3.49
BJ's Hamburger Patties (16 ct) – $15
Ball Park Beef Franks (4pk) – $10.99
Heinz Picnic Pack (ketchup, mustard, relish) – $7.99
1/2 Marble Sheet Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling – $19.99
Hoodsie Cups (30 ct) – $7.99
Grand Total – $98.77
We did not drink all the lemonade and soda, and we only used 2 packages of hot dogs out of the 4. There were rolls, hoodsies and plenty of cake leftover. The cake was sent with my brother to the firehouse for all the guys.
We had such a fun time. I can't wait to do it all again in a few short weeks for my boys. 🙂 Happy Birthday, honey! We hope you have another fun-filled and healthy year ahead. We love you!
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