The Hundred Acre Wood

For months leading up to her birthday, Brynlee could not decide what party theme she wanted. It was Winnie the Pooh one day and Elmo the next. Finally around February she started to tell everyone that "Pooh Bear" was coming to her birthday party and thus the idea for the Hundred Acre Wood was born.

Because Hudson's due date was on Bryn's actual birthday, we decided to hold the party the week before. Given our impeccable timing for these types of things, Jen had a reoccurring nightmare of going into labor during the party if we waited until the 21st. To assuage those fears, we set the birthday party for the 14th and Hudson's delivery date for the 17th. 

To bring the Hundred Acre Wood to life, we headed down the street to Woodstock park. The cherry blossoms had just finished opening and provided a gorgeous backdrop for the party. Bryn and her little posse of friends spent the afternoon swinging, playing on the slides, and doing what little girls do best, giggling.

                           

The Cohorts: Libby, Bryn, Penny, Clara, Rae, and Ainsley

(Christian, the only boy, was off doing manly things)

Like most Burk gatherings, the focus was on the food, and in typical fashion, Jen went above and beyond. Jen stayed up until nearly 3 AM Friday night decorating the cake and constructing the Piglet Pops. The kitchen was a war zone of food coloring, icing, and wafer cookies. If you have never seen a 9 month pregnant lady hunched over a bowl of frosting shrieking "Why won't you turn black?" around 2 AM, then you are definitely missing out. Nate was more than willing to offer his services but was advised to just sit back lest he suggest something contrary to the party planner's vision.

We served: Owl Droppings (chocolate covered raisins), Mini Winnies (gummy bears), Tigger Striped Strawberries (chocolate covered strawberries), Piglet Pops (sugar cookies with pink icing), Kanga Pouches with Roo Dip (Tostitos scoops with seven layer bean dip), and fresh veggies from Rabbit's garden.

The Spread

Amy and Libby enjoying some Mini Winnies

       Two in a swing = twice the fun!                                                 And no, the frosting never did turn black.

For some reason, Brynlee was being extremely shy and did not want to open her birthday presents. As it turned out, the child who brought Bryn the present actually ended up opening it for her as well. Brynlee made out like a bandit and received some puzzles, clothes, and even her very own personal computer which she uses to "send emails like Dad." When it was time to sing "Happy Birthday," Bryn had the biggest scowl on her face and refused to blow out her candles. Apparently, she was not a fan of our singing. She definitely fell into the "every party has a 'Pooh'per" category.

Following the birthday party, we went back to the house to open more gifts. Tara, being the thoughtful person that she is, wrapped Bryn's presents in Winnie the Pooh wrapping paper. That made all the difference, and Brynlee was more than happy to tear into the presents. For about three weeks following her birthday, we would find Brynlee sound asleep wearing nothing but her ladybug rain boots during nap time. Unfortunately, we have had to hide her umbrella lest Hudson should lose an eye. Overall she had a wonderful birthday filled with delicious food, lots of fun, and fabulous friends.