I’m not sure how we got here so quickly, but last week we celebrated Emma’s eighth birthday. Wow! It surprised me how emotional it was for me. I mean, eight seems so much less little kid, and more young lady to me.
We had a lot of fun surprises planned for Emma for her birthday, the first of which was Matt taking the day off from work.
Several weeks ago we realized a big birthday party would not be in the cards this year. Instead, I thought that it would be a lot of fun if we created a little scavenger hunt for Emma to go on. We would write clues and she could follow them to each new surprise throughout the day.
Little did I know how excited the kids would be about a scavenger hunt. You can watch our video here –
The first big surprise was going out to breakfast. My mom also surprised Emma at the restaurant with balloons, and came in with all the wait staff singing happy birthday. I had a hard time not tearing up at this point – Emma was so happy!
From breakfast we went to the pool at a local spa. The kids had a great time, and I was happy that no one was in the pool – benefits of going in the middle of the week while school is still in session! After the pool, I took Emma to get her first pedicure. She has been talking about it for months, and it was really special for me to be able to have some one on one time with her while she had her toes painted.
We returned home for Lucy to take a nap and to have cake and ice cream as well as open a couple presents. Her final search for a clue led her down the street to my mom’s, where she found out we would be taking her to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. The main purpose was that she wanted to sit on the saddle – we had never been, but she had heard about it from her friends.
Wow Di says
May 19, 2016 at 9:54 pmSounds like a fun birthday! Love that it was all a surprise and a fun scavenger hunt! SOunds like it was full of everything she really wanted.
Eileen Kelly says
May 19, 2016 at 3:30 amHappy Birthday to your beautiful daughter. What a wonderful day you all had together. When my youngest turned 10, was the most emotional for me. I cried, 🙂 loved having her small. She just turned 12, was worse for me than 10. I love that you had a pedicure together such fun
Elizabeth says
May 18, 2016 at 7:45 pmWhat a memorable birthday! Loved reading of all the great surprises and the ways she truly was made to feel so special. I can't believe she's 8 either though! Time flies and she's growing into such an incredible little lady. I have great memories of beauty shop time with my mama, so I can imagine that pedicure was a fun experience 🙂
Lauren G says
May 18, 2016 at 4:21 pmWhat a wonderful birthday! I live doing scavenger hunts, hope she had fun 🙂
Cara W says
May 18, 2016 at 4:05 pmAww she is adorable! Looks like she had a really busy 8th birthday! I remember my gift to my daughter is a digitally created scrapbook from first to eighth of her years. The book was pretty big (over 400 pages) but I really enjoyed putting it together.
the girl in the red shoes says
May 18, 2016 at 1:09 pmAwww happy birthday! What a special day for your sweet girl!
Kiwi says
May 18, 2016 at 7:39 amAw she will always remember this celebration! I love the pedi day too!
Kirsten says
May 18, 2016 at 5:22 amI think that birthdays like these mean so much more than a party ever will. Spending time with those you love and making the day special is what it is all about. I only ever had a few parties, but what I remember most is being with those I love. Such fun ideas! Thanks!
Louise Bishop says
May 18, 2016 at 2:48 amMy birthday is the day after Christmas so I only had one birthday party when I was a child and we had it in May. My children, however, have made birthday celebrations a big deal even now that they are grown. It's a great way to show them how special they are.
tiarastantrums says
May 18, 2016 at 12:26 amI really didn't get to celebrate birthdays when I was growing up – my parents did believe in the hoopla of birthday parties. BUT, I totally do it up for my own kiddos!
Rachel Langer says
May 17, 2016 at 11:48 pmWe stopped doing large 'friend parties' after like our 3rd one. So expensive and so much work and honestly – days like you had are appreciated so much more by the kids! This looks like it was the best day ever!!!
Wendy says
May 17, 2016 at 11:40 pmLooks like a perfect birthday! I can't wait until my daughter is big enough for a pedicure.
Tanya @ Moms Small Victories says
May 17, 2016 at 11:16 pmAw, I am more amazed everyday at how quickly time has passed since I became a mom. My middle son is about your daughters age. How sweet your mom came to surprise her! A memorable birthday indeed!
Tanya @ Moms Small Victories says
May 17, 2016 at 11:14 pmAw, I am more amazed everyday at how quickly time has passed since I became a mom. My middle son is about your daughters age. How sweet your mom came to surprise her! A memorable birthday indeed!
ana de jesus says
May 17, 2016 at 10:31 pmAw happy 8th birthday Emma. Glad you had a good day and was pampered by having a pedicure!
Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea says
May 17, 2016 at 9:27 pmI LOVED seeing her excitement and joy! Looked like a fantastic birthday! Very special!
A Busy Bees Life says
May 17, 2016 at 8:50 pmThis is so cute, a first pedicure – nice! Looks like she had a great birthday!
Kait says
May 17, 2016 at 6:44 pmHow sweet! I love the scavenger hunt idea — and that your mom showed up with balloons is just adorable 🙂 Happy Birthday Emma!
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
May 17, 2016 at 5:15 pmMy twins turn 8 this summer. Glad it looks like so much fun. I bet she loved the pampering!
Masshole Mommy says
May 17, 2016 at 4:15 pmIt sure sounds like she had a lovely birthday! My youngest is 8 and I absolutely adore this age!