Playdough Picnic

On Wednesday, we got to celebrate the life of a little girl who holds a very big place in my heart.

 When Ramona came downstairs that morning and saw the balloons and streamers, she asked: "Is it my birthday now?" Then she continued with, "Did you get my birthday ready while I was sleeping? You decorated with red balloons? I love red balloons now!" I smiled at how appreciative she was.

The theme of her party was "Playdough Picnic." Part One of the party was at our house, making little lunches out of playdough.

Do not eat.

 

Ramona's only request for the party was: Party hats

Mika actually tolerated her hat quite well

 

Ramona was anxious for guests to arrive

 We had a crowd of about 10 kids attend our "pretend" lunch party . . .

 . . . which spilled out into the backyard before too long, once the playdough had lost its charm. After about 20 minutes of throwing rocks into the grass, going in and out of Ramona's play cottage, and some form of hide-and-go-seek, Part One of the party was pretty much done.

 Part Two of the party was lunch and playtime at the park--a REAL picnic this time, of course, with some edible food. The kids took a few bites, and then were off to the playground.

 

Usually when I take Ramona to the park, in an effort to avoid the dreaded nagging (and dragging) to get her off the playground, I set a timer on my phone and allow the alarm to dictate when it's time to go home--not mom. But this day was Ramona's day, so I didn't set any timer and let her play until she was almost sick of the park. It took a while.

 

The remaining afternoon just included picking out a birthday balloon and baking a chocolate cake with pink frosting. (Ramona's one request in regards to her birthday cake was that it should be pink. Simple! Is it possible that she was somehow aware of her mother's cake incapabilities?) When Daddy got home from work, he had a bouquet of flowers for Ramona--a gift from Paca. She gave them a hug.

 

Even after all of this, there was still cake to eat and gifts to unwrap!

Blowing out her birthday candles

 

  

Just when we thought she might fall asleep on her slice of cake . . .

  

. . . the birthday girl came alive again when it was time to open presents all over the living room floor.

 

She continued to "party" for some time afterwards that evening, even a little past her usual bedtime. I guess she wanted squeeze as much out of the day as she possibly could.

We love you, Ramona! Thanks for being a part of our family these past three years.