Ellie Belly has been talking about turning 4 for the last 6 months! She told me months and months ago she wanted to go camping, get a scooter, and she wanted a unicorn cake. And we made that all happen, praise God!
I don't throw birthday parties because in my personal opinion it is not worth the time, effort, and money - at least not for us and our lifestyle. We can have more fun with all our family doing cool experiences and I can pay to give her more if I'm not wasting money on decorations and paper plates and cups. However; since we are homeschoolers, we have the luxury of field trips whenever we want! Therefore; I hosted a play date at Campbell's Covered Bridge for Ellie and her friends where they could just splash and play. I brought a small cake and we sang happy birthday. No gifts, just time with friends which is way more valuable! That's how we like to do things. Of course, if she ever asked for a party, I'd throw one. But thus far in life she continually asks to go camping with her cousins. And that is awesome! Her favorite people!
But most important, her annual birthday camping trip! We went to Mile Creek Campground and rented a cabin. I had won a free 3 night stay in one of these in January and because we loved the cabin and the grounds so much, we chose to book a cabin for Ellie! Eric's parents, my parents, and my sister and her kids all came for her birthday weekend to camp and we spent all our time swimming, playing, boating, and making yummy food. It was so nice to be with family!
Ellie also requested to make all by herself a big spaghetti dinner for her family for her birthday dinner. So I taught Ellie how to make spaghetti during our stay at the cabin and she was so happy to cook for others! So proud of that baby! It was so yummy and satisfying after a day spent on the lake in the sun! After her birthday dinner, she opened gifts and blew the candle out on her cake. Her family showered her in so many awesome gifts that were just perfect for Ellie! You could just see how loved she felt and how warm her soul was. That just made my heart soar!
Ellie's annual birthday photos I take at Rock Quarry Garden:
