He loves geography.
He loves countries, states, flags, and anything to do with the world.
Of course he wanted a "World Party" to celebrate his birthday.
This was going to be his first "Friend Party" and he was so excited.
At first I had no idea what we would do to make this a fun party...
but then the ideas started flowing and I knew we
could have a blast traveling around the world at this party.
By the time it was planned out,
I was so excited to celebrate my world-loving boy!
I decorated the house in blue and green streamers with globes hanging from the ceiling.
So easy... so cute!
He decorated each room with a continent or flag that he had colored.
The perfect touch... just from him.
I wanted his friends to have fun, and not have this theme be way over their heads,
so I decided to take them on an adventure around the world.
We would stop at each continent and do an activity...
and if they did well, they would receive a picture of that continent to
put into their passport books. If they filled their books, at the end of the party, they would receive a special surprise. This got everyone excited!
Before we got on our plane to travel to the first continent,
the received their official passports, and then I taught them a continent song
so they would know which one we would travel to next.
They loved the song, (and actions) and were excited that the first place would be
North America... where I told them they lived!
Our North America game was to pin the star on Nebraska.
So many giggles to see where their star ended up!
From North America we traveled to South America.
We talked about how in some parts of South America, a pinata
is used for many celebrations.
Kallan had helped me decorate a paper bag with different flags from South America.
Inside were a few treats and glow sticks that would go into their goodie bags.
Ainsley was my wonderful assistant... and she helped the boys
"fly" from one place to another.
From South America we went to Europe.
We talked about the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Then I had the boys build the tallest towers they could...
their own Eiffel Towers!
We got out the tape measure to add to the excitement of their very tall towers!
From Europe, we flew to Africa.
We had to be very quiet because there was a sleeping Tiger in the next room (aka: Baylor)
In Africa, they had to go on a safari hunt for animals.
I had green streamers all over our bedroom, and hiding in them were little plastic
animals. Each boy had a certain number they had to find to get their continent card
for their passport.
Everyone had lots of fun finding their Safari animals!
From Africa, we flew on to Asia.
I showed them chop sticks and we talked about how people in
Asia used chop sticks instead of silverware to eat their food.
Then we used the chop sticks to quickly get large pom-pom balls from
one end of the house to the other.
They loved this game, and I was relieved that
we finished it without anyone getting poked
with chop sticks while running back and forth!
All the boys checking out their passports.
We took a little break to open gifts and do a little craft.
Oriental Trading hooked me up with some great "world goodies"
and they boys enjoyed coloring their own globes.
Once our globes were colored, we traveled on to get our passports filled!
The next stop was Australia, where we had a Kangaroo Freeze contest.
The boys had to jump as high as they could, but when the music stopped,
everyone had to freeze.
A great way to get out some energy!
Finally we made it to the last continent... Antarctica!
I had the boys construct their own igloos with
sugar cubes and glue.
I think they could have worked all morning long on their icy sculptures!
His globe cake! He was excited I got the Great Lakes on it...
can you spy them?
Turning 5....
By the end of the morning, the boys had memorized the continent song
I had taught them, flown all over the world, filled their passports,
and were ready to receive their special surprise... their goodie bags!
My heart was filled as we celebrated my world-loving boy!
His friends had fun, he had fun, and this mama had fun!
It was truly an awesome adventure around the world with his friends he will always remember!
Happy Birthday Kallan!
