Yesterday’s party started with a treasure hunt, or more accurately, we went letterboxing!
We traveled around their neighborhood following clues to find our “treasure”, which contains a stamp and a stamp pad. You use the stamp in the box to stamp your letterboxing journal, and then you stamp your own personal stamp on the pad found in the box to show that you’ve been there, for others who find the box to see.
We were instructed to start at Clue 2. Our first stop was a community garden.
Stop #2, a tree stump in another community garden!
Maxine observed from above.
Stop Numero 3, a small garden at the back of a church.
Very clever and a lot of fun. What a fabulous way to tire a bunch of kids out though. Make them run and walk a bunch of city blocks!
Letterboxing is a real hobby and there are boxes set up all over for anyone to find. Ours were designed by our hosts for party purposes only. They did a great job and the kids loved it. Anyone can letterbox for real though, there are probably letterboxes in your own community!
We headed back to the house to sing happy birthday and hunt for more treasures, namely party FOOD.
Mama’s cake and Max’s cake, that she didn’t finish. No prob kid, let me help you out.
Party mix. A few handfuls.
Now we’re talkin’.
I picked up a 4 pack of these up on the way to the party. Totally perfect because I only wanted a glass (or two) and still had some to share, but could easily bring home what was left over without feeling like I have to drink it ASAP. I had one early in the evening, one later around our mini camp fire. Someone else had the third one and last one is in my fridge for the next time I’m in the mood for a glass of wine. Perfecto.
Ava tried on some of the birthday loot.
There were more party eats and I’m pleased that I didn’t over do it, on wine, cake or food. I enjoyed myself but didn’t go crazy either.
We camped in the back yard, and were rained on all night! We stayed totally dry and cozy in our tent and on air mattresses.
As usual, I was up well before my crew this morning and took the opportunity to go for a short walk through the city streets. I’d planned on today being a rest day knowing we’d be away from home. An early morning walk was great and totally peaceful. It makes me want to move from suburbia and live in the city to be close to so much!
Came back to hit up my latest addiction. Have watermelon, will travel.
Once everyone was up my friend and our hostess Andrea set up a fab breakfast buffet complete with fresh fruit, granola, yogurt, breads, oatmeal (made overnight in the crockpot!)
My yellow plum.
A bowl of oats, topped with granola, nuts and blueberries.
And coffee.
We’ve spent the rest of the day at home chillaxin and recovering from birthday party madness. Fruit has been consumed.
Peaches.
Kiwi. Fur included.
Cherries.
And some Tazo Earl Grey.
We’re heading off to Home Depot to pick up some supplies for a little home improvement. Zak’s off this week and we’re having a staycation this year… a little deck painting anyone?
Those peaches, kiwi, and cherries look so good! I love summer for this reason.
Love the idea of the treasure hunt for the kids! That would be so much fun.
Letterboxing sounds like so much fun. I’ll have to look into it!
I love the mini bottles of wine; they are perfect and really help with portion control… ๐
Sounds like a lot of fun! I’ve never heard of letterboxing…cool!
I’m craving peaches really bad…need to get some more ๐ Nothing better then a fresh juicy peach spread wtih AB…Mmm
I’ve never heard of Letterboxing before. I’ll have to read about that. Sounds like a lot of fun!
How was the kiwi with the fur on? I’ve always taken the fur off. I didn’t know you could eat it that way. Duh! (haha)
Enjoy having Zak home this week. That should be really nice.
You do so many fun things with your girls.
Glad you stayed dry!
Summer fruit is just so good is it not?! Those peaches look so ripe and juicy. Yum.
What a unique and memorable party. Glad you all had a great time.
Libby
camping in the backyard – how fun!!! that might be the only way one could get me to sleep in a tent…
“Chillaxin”
What a PERFECT word!!!!!! Looks like you guys had a GREAT time! I love the treasure hunt!
-A
sooooo cute! i love the whole b-day shenanigans going on up in herre!
ohhh a bit of backpedaling….Target just opened up? get there and now! i can’t imagine my life without! also, LOVE the tower of juice (when i have money, i will hopefully get a vitamix or juicer or somethin) and all the fruit lovin’ going on here. veg times is the best too!
happy monday love!
I’ve never heard of letterboxing, but that sounds like a blast! LOVE the idea! ๐
I love the smaller sizes of the wine bottles too! I absolutely hate having to throw extra wine away because its such a waste…this would be the perfect solution! ๐
What good times!
We actually are trying to create a “woodsy” area on our upper slope for JJ to “camp” in the near future!
I wanna be a kid!