A Snowed-In Birthday Party
Last weekend was my daughter's 12th birthday. We had grand plans that involved a day out with our family eating, drinking (soda of course), and being merry. Unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans for us. A couple days before my daughter's birthday we had received almost 20 inches of snowfall, and there was no chance of us going anywhere (or me buying any of the gifts I'd planned on purchasing for her). In a rather panicked frenzy I tweeted about my predicament: "What do I do...help me?", and got a bunch of wonderful responses.
The top suggestion was to create a scavenger hunt, which was perfect (thank you so much everyone)! Then I thought I could take full advantage of the snow by surprising her with a project of making our own (almost) natural snow cone syrup (she loves anything involving cooking, and snow for that matter). I made a secretive list and then we bundled up and trekked to our two local grocery stores with empty backpacks on our backs. At the first store I made her wait up near the front for a minute and ran down a couple isles where I was able to pick up candy (for the scavenger hunt), party streamers (they had all the colors she was wishing for - yay) some candles, and neon food coloring (she is a kid after all). At the next store I again ducked down the isles and picked up ice cream, cream soda (her favorite), natural drink mix (kind of like kool-aid, but without the chemicals), and then got some $5 bills to also hide in the scavenger hunt.
To make it feel more festive (and age appropriate) I decorated an aqua desk with streamers at both ends and then wrapped the top in some pretty wrapping paper. Streamers were hung above and one of my coffee filter pom poms hung down above the table for an added touch.
Fortunately my daughter already had two pink trays (I didn't think to pick up any festive paper plates), so I used them on the table as our dishes for breakfast.
Yum! Everything tastes better with striped paper straws!
The scavenger hunt began with a clue inside this striped box. Treat bags were filled with gum balls as party "favors."
Here's all the loot my daughter received from her scavenger hunt (the little boxes on the left held some of her prizes). She also found candy at every clue. Some of the prizes were $5 bills and others were "tickets" for larger gifts (the things I couldn't buy because of the storm).
A newly-minted 12 year old and one of our favorite party guests!
Thanks for taking a peek at our party...and a big huge hug to all of you on Twitter who helped me out with your brilliant ideas! xo Ez
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| by Ez Friday, February 11, 2011 
Reader Comments (30)
It looks like she had an amazing time regardless of the snow. I bet she will remember this birthday above others that work out as planned. Happy belated birthday to her.
What a wonderful mother you are!
Love it all.
I made similar little 'match box tokens' for my daughter to bring to school on Valentine's. Went down a treat.
x Charlotta
What an amazing setting you rustled up! Love the pink straws - not seen those before. {I'm running a straw styling competition on my blog, you might like some of last year's winners.} And I always think vouchers for more treats are the best!
You are such a great mom!! So, so cute! xo
I would love to buy some striped paper straws, but I can´t find them im my country. I´m from Argentina by the way. a "no striped paper straw" country in south america. ajaja
Lovely, all of it...just lovely!
chau chau!