Under the Sea - James Turned Six in 2010

Time flies... I can't believe James is almost seven. Guess I better share last year's birthday.  After much deliberation we settled the theme of

 Under the Sea

We started with lunch -- Octopus and squid hot dogs with cheesy shells.  After lunch kids could make an octopus mobile. Then we had an undersea shipwreck treasure hunt complete with a treasure map. The kids put on ocean creature swim goggles and went "diving" under the sea; down into the basement where we played various games to get the next clue until the treasure was found.  The activities were animal charades, octopus tag, crab races and ocean animal trivia. At the end they found the treasure chest full of party goodies, including small stuffed sea animals.


We had a full under the sea decorations. We had beach blankets to eat lunch, we had blue and green crepe paper, large paper sea animals, a crepe paper jelly fish along with a fishing net. And then the cake -- an amazing under the sea cake complete with fish and rocks. 

 As always Papa was with us to celebrate James Birthday.

We were thrilled to have special guests -- Nana & Grandad -- to celebrate James 6th Birthday.

Happy Birthday Papa!

Papa's birthday month is in full swing and today is the pinnacle .. your actual birthday. Yesterday James and
I made little pumpkin
patch cakes. Today we'll decorate them and after your favorite meal.. Shake and Bake chicken we'll blow out your candles. We sure wish you were here to blow them out. We miss you so much and most days still can't believe you are really gone. Maybe because you can never truly be gone as you will live in our hearts for eternity. It still seems so unfair that your life was cut so short -- you had so many great experiences to enjoy. Oh, I miss you so much it hurts! I suppose you are watching over us and experiencing it all with us.. in some ways you aren't missing a thing; but we sure miss hearing your laugh, your perspective and your support.

Happy Birthday!
Love, Lisa, James and John

Photos are from 2006, the last time we celebrated your birthday together.


Our Birthday Celebration for Papa and James 1/2 Birthday - Pumpkin Patch Cakes plus Shake-n-Bake chicken with baked potatoes and green beans!

Challenge: For all my friends who dread their birthdays... in honor of Rick's birthday -- I don't know anyone else who loved his birthday more....I challenge you each to take another approach and embrace your birthday, celebrate your life, yourself, your friends, your family and most of all HAVE FUN!!! Find joy in every moment, you just don't know when it will end.