recaps of the last six weeks

2.  Our first visit to the Rainforest Cafe

The girls were enamored with the Rainforest and its animals.  I think they were so busy with all the sights and sounds that they could not concentrate on eating!  Afterall, it is a sight-seeing spot.  And a giftshop.  And a bar.  And a Build-A-Bear workshop.  All in one.

So, food was definitely not on the priority list.

Every few minutes, the Elephants would trunk-ese.  The gorillas would ooh-ooh-ese.  The toucans would caw-caw-ese.  The frogs would croak-croak-ese.  The rain would fall.  The alligator would open its mouth.   

The girls tried to toss coins into the alligator's mouth -- kind of like that "hungry, hungry, hippo" game.  They didn't master the coin tossing activity and claimed that the "yakudoshi" still exists.  "When does my "yakudoshi" end?" asked Victoria in a dramatic whiny pleading voice.  I find it difficult to equate "missing the alligator's mouth" with "yakudoshi".  I hardly call that bad luck. 

"I don't know," I respond, "when do you think it started?"

Since our rainforest departure, Petra inquires daily about the rainforest and our return!  And I am not exaggerating about the daily question because she asks at least sixteen times per day!!  And Victoria is still hung up on her bad luck year. 

YAKUDOSHI = BAD LUCK YEAR (IN JAPAN)

It's A Jungle Out Here!

First Birthday: Jungle Party Theme.

* Jungle invitations
* Monkey envelope stickers
* Jungle thank you notes
* A variety of animal print helium-filled balloons
* Giant monkey mylar balloon
* Zebra-striped table linens
* Monkey favor bags tied with zebra print ribbon
* Zebra whistles
* Elephant bubbles
* Giraffe inflatable balls
* Lion masks
* Elephant, monkey, giraffe, lion lollipops
* Lion shaped gummies
* Assorted jungle animal plates and napkins
* Monkey sippy cups

Favorite cake lady (of six years) has been commissioned to create the cake. Must give every detail to cake lady -- must be very specific. No detail left uncovered. Or you may be in for a surprise!

"One large JUNGLE cake, please!" I order. I offer a Jungle invitation as an example. The invitation is accepted and noted.

"Jungle?" asks surprised cake lady. "Not a princess, or a ONE, or bears, or Hello Kitty party?"

"Yes, a jungle with monkeys, zebras, elephants, giraffes, vines, trees. Perhaps, a toucan. But definitely a JUNGLE!"

"OK!" disgruntled cake lady agrees with a huge sigh. (I suppose we have differing opinions on what a little girl's first birthday party should be!) "Cake will be ready for pick-up at 10:00 am."
1. Pick up cake. Look at cake. Thumbs up. It looks great. Pay for cake. In a big hurry. Brows furrow. Mind is churning.

2. Drive to party destination. It is at a park ... somewhat similar to a jungle setting, just add lots of monkey children!

3. Set up party. Place cake on table. Remove cake from box. Admire. Study. Admire. Question. Admire. Utterly Confused!

The JUNGLE cake looks great, nicely decorated and smells of intoxicating delicious sugar.

But, tell me, WHAT JUNGLE on this PLANET HAS PONIES ???

Cake Lady has placed little plastic ponies all over my jungle. Like a farm. Cute... elephant, pony, monkey, pony, zebra, pony, pony, toucan, pony. UGH! I should have ordered the Princess cake!