I love birthdays! Those who know me well know I’m big on celebrating birthdays. . . It sure as heck beats the alternative. With that said, I’m also big on celebrating without breaking the bank, especially since they literally happen every year. We celebrate birthdays a little different from most people too. We decided for our little ones that we would celebrate with a party for their first birthday. However, there on out, we give them the choice of having a birthday party or having a little family outing. When they’re only one, they really have no idea. Let’s be honest, the First Birthday Party is really for the adults to fawn over the baby. Right? It’s also nice to not be dragging a baby out to be exposed to all sorts of fun germs. Germs don’t go away, but the kiddos do hopefully develop stronger immune systems.
Our little girl LOVES animals. So, when I gave her the option, it was a quick no-brainer, and definitive answer… She really wanted to go to the zoo. Her actual birthday was on a weekday. (Daddy works and goes to school during the week.) Again, I’m big on birthdays, so I baked her a special little cake, took her to the park to meet up with a few of her cousins and had special playtime during the day. When I’m honest with myself, I think she would have been excited for just the park outing and cake!
Early Saturday morning we packed the car, drove over the mountains and made our way to the Oakland Zoo. Since I was a child, this was always one of my favorite places to visit and through the years, it’s been amazing to see the many improvements they have made for the different animal exhibits. For as long as I can remember, the Zoo has held a special place in my family’s heart. We had a family membership and would go as much as possible, especially during the summer months. My mom would pack lunches and we would head out. My brother and I would have such fun and always had a ton of stories coming home. As an adult, it holds even more magic to me. That specific magic I’m mentioning will be saved for another day’s story for you. However, the sparkle that shines from a child’s eyes while seeing the magnificent and wild animals is a magic that never gets old to me either. I’m so grateful that our little girl loves this time as much as, or possibly more than, I do.
This particular time, we had a special surprise. Some of the family was able to meet us there. She got spoiled with a few extra gifts and most importantly, some extra ‘lovin’ from Aunties, Uncles and Grandpa. Before we arrived, we had asked her what animals she was most excited to see. That list always included “Roars” (tiger and lions) and her “Eee’s” (Ele’s or Elephants). We definitely made it a point to see them first. She had a blast holding hands with Grandpa and looking at all the different animals. There were moments in which I would find myself starting to stress, wanting to be sure we got to see everything and so on. I would then look over at her and see how wrapped up she was in everything and everyone. No need to rush. No need to worry. She said hello to her lions and elephants and in her world, she had accomplished what she had set out to do!
Her birthday outing was a huge success. It was simple. It wasn’t expensive. (Grandpa had given us the Zoo membership for Christmas.) It was quite a drive (just about 5 hours), but it was well worth it. She didn’t miss having a big party. We didn’t break the bank. It was about spending time together, enjoying each other and just celebrating the time. There weren’t a ton of supplies or crazy decorations needed. It was the family, the stroller, a few snacks, diapers and a change of clothes! And I treasured the moments fully. What moments are you excited to share? And what fun outings do you have in mind!?
