Pages

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Birthday Safari!







































A batch of birthdays (seven to be exact!) descends upon us in mid August and doesn't depart until the 13th of September, politely leaving us perennial party-people plenty of time to prepare for another priority...Halloween! Thank you, birthday bunch! We couldn't have planned it any better!

This event began with Bree's sweet little voice on the other end of the phone, sometime in April, I believe. "Grandma? Can you help me with my birthday party this year? I want lots of animals! I think maybe a safari!"

The wheels begin to spin that moment. Mommies, daddies, aunties, uncles and grandparents - a virtual ant farm family - set to scurrying about with ideas and contributions, determined to make a soon-to-be-five-year-old the day of her dreams. It's team work, of course, that gets things done - but Safari Camp Central is always mommy's desk. That's where assignments originate and return to pass inspection. Bree describes her wishes here and mommy moves to make them all come true - with astonishing success!


Our safari is no ordinary event. Wild animals agree to gather amicably to be searched for, petted, and toted home for long-time loving. Nana, Bree's paternal grandma, contributed invitations that serve as passports to the fun. When guests arrive, they "scooch" under the welcoming arch that graces the front porch. Hmmm. Which hoarder of cardboard boxes do you suppose built that party prop?

You can build an inviting entry for any event with stacked columns of covered boxes flanking one long, skinny topper (or a group of smaller boxes glued firmly together.) Decorate generously to hide the seams. Easy going; epic results!








Safari kids - the birthday girl and her 16 guests, munch first on lunch. Bree's backyard hosts an ideal setting; woods, a pond, and an adjoining grassy plain provide perfect habitat for lions, tigers, elephants and more. We're fueling for a grueling expedition!



















By the time we've eaten, daddy has transported the arch to our safari entry point. We sport the proper headgear as well as sunglasses framed in tiger, zebra and leopard prints!






























First in line, the birthday girl listens carefully to mommy. She's found a clue at the entrance to the sanctuary! Let's listen in!......

Look up in trees for small, cute faces,
Monkeys love those high up places!
They wait for us, they want to play,
Let's round 'em up before they scamper away!












We find them! Monkeys galore! They swing from branches as we pass through. Kids leap up and snatch themselves one or two!

(By the way, our huntin' style is huggin' - never hurtin'!)

And the clues continue!

Do you see a tiger sneaking?
I think I saw one peeking!
I spied an orange face and I heard a roar,
Follow me! Let's look for more!








Lions are big, and lions are brown,
Let's keep our eyes open, just look around!
Count 20 big steps, straight up ahead,
Look for a flag that's square and that's red!

Giraffes aren't small, 
They're really quite tall,
Watch for them closely on a big patch of grass,
They know we are coming, they're watching us pass!

Zebras are a beautiful sight,
They're easy to spot in the bright sunlight.
White and black, black and white,
Run up ahead, look on the right!

Elephants are big and grey,
They're easy to spot - HOORAY!







Mommy leads the charge along the savanna, reading clues and making sure every little hunter finds a friend to take home for hugging.

See the herds waiting up ahead? We didn't miss a single thing!





















Successful little adventurers make their way back home, single file, through the waiting arch......










......toting tigers and zebras and giraffes, oh my!
















But wait! There's more to explore!

How about lining up for a round of tossing rubbery, dangerous snakes into a pit?

Or choosing a cute jungle tattoo (or two, or three or more!) for Nana to expertly apply to your arm?


















Or joining the fun of a two team Cheetah Relay Race?

So sweet, this group of little guests. Every cheetah reaching the half point first waited for a competitor to catch up before heading back to the finish together - as co-winners. :) Love these kids!
















There was chocolate cake, too, because we needed even more energy......
























......for the BOUNCE HOUSE!








I suppose I can get away with the unfortunate placement of that sign in my picture because those three little fun loving "monkeys" are my grandchildren!








Present time!...which some might say is the best part of any party. But I think we might differ on that opinion, just for the day, simply because......

















What fun would it be to go on safari without all sixteen of your cousins and friends to share that happy adventure with you? Nope, I'm sure we agree - not much fun at all!
























Party notes: Inflatable animals, sunglasses, tattoos and hats all from Oriental Trading Company. Safari hunt clues are original with me and shared for personal use. Thank you!

14 comments:

  1. Oh that we all could have mommies and grandmas like your family - they are the luckiest little kids in the whole world - for sure. Great idea for each to get a blow up animal to take home. I love Oriental Trading Company - sometimes I just want to buy stuff cuz it is so neat.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I bet the giggles and screams of delight could be heard in the next jungle over! How cute and 16 of them! Cousins are the best but then so are Grandmas!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is absolutely amazing! What a great idea ....and clearly the kids were having an absolute blast!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh how FUN! AND WOW! You made me count and turns out WE have 7 from August to Sept too!!! None of us live nearby tho, so for the most part, it's all cards and phone calls. Yours looks WAY more fun! Have a blessed October too! :)

    Kaye

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an awesome birthday adventure!! Your ideas & parties are always so amazing. Love to read your posts

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are amazing! Love this idea!

    ReplyDelete
  7. So much fun and great ideas! Our grandson is all about animals so we may be in for our own Safari soon.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Speechless and you know that is almost impossible for me, but this Safari is right up there on your top 100. What a presentation and for a crowd - wow. And, if you got a score for the cutest kids in the country you'd be over the top. I think you should also consider running for Speaker of the House because you could handle that job with one hand. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. man you are my kinda lady J! no monkeying around either. you are seriously more fun than a barrel of monkeys and give each of those kids a wonderful gift! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. How much fun is this kids party! Pinned & shared. Can't wait to have some monkeying around at a party with my grand kids. Thanks for joining in the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & shared.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is darling! Love the hats and animals. The poem is so, so cute!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  12. I was browsing old post and came across your Safari Party on Sunday's Best. Such a cute idea. I'll be Pinning to my Kids Party Ideas. Happy New Year.

    ReplyDelete