Fridays and Picnic Birthday

Time flies just sooo freakin' fast. It seems like it was just yesterday when I gave birth to Bubu, but now she's 3! And she just wanted to do most things all by herself. I hope she would stay as a baby to mommy.

Anyway, we celebrated Bubu's actual birthday on a dinner at TGIF in Robinson's Ermita.

Family picture during Bubu's birthday dinner at Fridays Ermita

To be honest, it was our first time at Friday's and the food resembles that of Chili's. Im just glad they sang Bubu a Happy Birthday and gave her a birthday sundae which was really yummy. I also liked the way they sang birthday songs because it's very unique like they don't follow the traditional music and lyrics. It was lively and I liked it.

For Bubu's birthday celebration with my family/relatives and Arven's family, we had it in Quezon Memoral Circle. We were able to book Gazeo 4 and decorated it simply with some DIY projects that I learned through Pinterest and Martha Stewart.

Invitation. Downloaded from EatDrinkChic. And then I edited it in PS.

Tita beth holding Crepe Paper pompoms. DIY Tutorial from MS

And then I downloaded some printables for the buntings and edited them so they say Bubu Turns 3. Tita Joy, and Bubu's aunt Anne, helped in putting up the background with the bunting greeting.

"Bubu turns 3" birthday banner

And for the cutleries, we wrapped the spoon and fork with a tissue locked by a label that says Bubu turns 3.

Customized label for the cutleries

The whole plan for the party is that it gets the feel of a big family picnic so I got some gingham table mats from Japan Home Center and used them as table and floor mats.

I wanted the kids to play with each other so they could bond. And so I thought that the picnic mats would be their best sanctuary to be together during the entire party.

Bubu having lunch while seated on the mat

The celebrant having a pre-party pose

Kids listening to me while I try to get the party started

Jomar, Tien tien and JM

Kyle, Margaux and Bubu

It was difficult to get the kids to join the games as they were all shy. Until I gave up and just let them eat and play on their own.

Bubu running around Gazebo 2 with Ate Nikka and JM

And it seems that kids prefer blowing bubbles and taking pictures while eating and having chat with playmates than doing instruction-led parlor games.

Andrei having his own game while tita Dorry's having a slight pose for the cam

Kids are growing up too fast and they just love posing for the camera

And yeah, more pictures.

I think it was a good party, if you'd ask me, because I think they all had fun. They are just really shy about parlor games.

We ensured that all kids got a goodie bag filled with a coloring book, crayon, some cute erasers, stamp and chocolates. 

Bags purchased from Divi at a wholesale price 15/pc

The food was prepared at our home in QC and my stepmother and titas cooked everything. We had fusilli in tomato sauce, fried drumstick and tuna sandwich. Plus the hotdog skewers and mango broas. I also prepared some popcorns for the kids so they have something to chew on while running around.

Pop corns in paper cones

Barbie cake courtesy of Bubu's Mama Thez

The cake resembles the dress that Bubu was wearing during the latter part of the party. Both the cake and her dress was provided by her mama Thez (Arven's mom)

The party turned out like a reunion with most of my relatives present. I was happy because I can see them having fun together. And it's not so often that Bubu gets to be with her relatives from my kin.

Some more pictures taken during free time of the party are as follows:

L-R: Venice, Bubu, Yzha, and Lola

Yvan and his twin brother. Kidding. That's his son.

L-R: Venice, lola Imbang, Arra and Yzha

Oh yeah, we're pretty. That's my step mother and me.

These are the women of our clan. L-R: me, tita Marlie, Lola Lil, Lola Imbang, tita Beth, Lola Martha, tita Joy

Bubu received nice gifts and I was thankful to everyone who took some time finding a gift for Bubu.

She had a coloring book, a baby Cinderella barbie, a kitchen playset, leggings, a dollhouse and tea party set

After the party, we went to Circle of Joy to paddle in Swan Lake and do some biking.

Teng with Bubu, Rhen with Justin, paddling some Swan boats

So that was pretty much it. Thanks to those who come.

To my princess, happy birthday again, Bubu. You'll always be mom's little princess even when you grow up. I love you to bits!