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Usually, we are really good at planning the children's Birthday's.  When my first set of boys were younger we made plans a month in advance and booked rooms or tables to hold our parties.  We have been so busy with a housewarming party, a special Easter brunch and visiting others with their parties. We didn't have much time to plan my youngest son's 3rd Birthday Party this Tuesday.  We figured, since it fell on a work day,  we would make a light dinner, bake a cake, have some ice cream and coffee.  We would invite Grandma to make it special. 

The other day, I was flipping through the "Family Fun" Magazine and found they gave several examples of party cakes. I saw a really neat looking "Sandcastle Cake."  It looked really pretty and it was made with simple ingredients. 

My husband and I went to the store to buy all the things we would need.  Along with some extra touches to personalize it.  I spent the morning of the day of the party baking 3 different sized white cakes. (with cupcakes left over)   We iced it and put on the finishing touches.  It looked like a real sandcastle.  It took a little bit of time to sculpt the cake but, it was worth it.  It was magical looking and delicious.

We stirred up quite a party.  Evidently, my husband was putting out the word that we were going to have cake.  So, I made a calls to my sister and brother.  By the end of the day we had about 10 children between our families and about 10 adults.  We had Great-grandma's and Grandpa's, Grandparents, co-worker friends and Aunties and Uncles with their children.  All coming at the last minute.  My brother, apparently still working in the Bay area, dropped everything,  took the train home and came with his family. 

 I put out an urgent call to my Mother to ask if she would like to bring some "Beach themed" party gifts for all the grandkids.  Remembering,  the kids should have those  little trinkets to take home with them.   She came over with plastic buckets and shovels with bubbles, leis, pinwheels, Frisbees ad key chains shaped like flip-flops!  It was amazing.  Thank you,  Mother!  And, thank you Aunties for running out at the last minute to get them at the Wishing Well. 

Through all of the conversations and kids running around playing,  I wished I could have made it more publicly known how grateful I was they helped throw a great party together.  I think everyone knew.  When we all sang "Happy Birthday" to my son. The sound was so rich and full of happy voices.  He loved it.  We all loved it.  It was a lot of fun.