We are not ones to do anything by halves in this family and last weekend we were invited to two birthday parties – one on the beach and the other in the forest.
I did toy with the idea of turning one down but it was feasible for us to get to both so I loaded the car with everything we needed for both parties and headed for Alum Chine beach to meet up with the birthday girl Mollie.
Nanny was there when we arrived but no sign of anyone else. We put up our Field Candy Wigwam and matching sunshade so the kids could get changed into their swimwear in private and waited for the birthday girl to arrive, whilst Isaac, Eliza and Sebastian played in the sand and dipped their toes in the sea.
The beaches at Bournemouth get very busy over the summer holidays but Alum Chine is normally quieter as it is a way from Bournemouth Pier, but today they were very busy because there was a Regatta on and lots of boats to sit and watch. Isaac was more interested in going for a swim and doing some body boarding, whilst Eliza prefered to collect water and pour it into a large hole and when Mollie arrived she joined Isaac in the sea.
Nanny was sat with Sebastian making lots of sand castles with him that he found great delight in knocking down again before the battle of the giant hole began. All the “big kids” got involved in digging their own separate holes to climb in before abandoning their separate efforts and teaming up to build a massive moat. I think the purpose of this was to build a giant castle in the middle but sadly it was time for us to pack up and leave and head to the forest, but not before a bite to eat first.
We are really lucky to have the beach and New Forest on our doorstep and Megan’s party was to held at Avon Heath Country Park which is about a 30 minute drive from Alum Chine. I thought after all the running around the kids had done they would all have a snooze, but no, they were far too excited!
We arrived at Avon Heath to find picnic blankets all laid out with wooden necklaces to decorate whilst we waited for everyone to arrive. Joanne had made a fabulous Pinata in the shape of a 7 which the kids couldn’t wait to batter to find the prizes inside. It did take quite a few hits to get into it which did mean that everyone got a turn.
Once the kids had filled their pockets with the sweets they had won, it was time to head off on a scavenger hunt. Each child received a challenge card and a bag and had to collect everything on the list. Some things were easier than others but everyone had fun trying to find different items and shapes and we all pitched in if someone got stuck.
The trail we followed is approximately a mile and a half and I was impressed that all the little ones, including Sebby walked almost all the way. We did have to stop at Rapunzel’s Hair for some climbing fun though.
We got back to the picnic site after an hour where the kids sat down to eat their picnic tea and Megan got to blow out the candles on the homemade cake her Nanny made. Sebastian can vouch for how delicious it was and us adults didn’t miss out – she made us walnut cake aswell.
Happy 7th Birthday to Mollie and Megan, we had a fabulous time at your birthday celebrations and all slept well afterwards too!
haha – I bet your kids slept well that night!! Or you did:-) x
Wow-what a fun and busy day! I’m glad you were able to go to both the parties. You’ll all sleep for a week now 🙂
thanks for sharing Megan’s special day with her! Thanks you for taking some great snaps too!
I adore the circus tent and a really good scavenger hunt can not be beaten. What a lovely day!
I love the idea of having original kids parties. I haven’t been to the beach or forest parties with my kids, thats an idea. Thank you, lovely photos x
Wow what fantastic birthday parties! Looks like the children had so much fun! I’d love to go to a beach party x
Such lovely birthday parties. Never even thought of holding one at a beach before!
Looks like two fabulous parties and well done you for making the effort to get to both!
A beach party and a forest party in the same day sounds like so much fun. Never been to a beach party before.
What an amazing day – I bet the kids were in bed and asleep early that night x
Wow what two different by equally wonderful looking parties!
Wow, I am tired out just reading about both parts!
I think the beach party would suit me better than a forest one :o)
Wow, what a busy day. I adore the sunshade, it looks ace
that tent is gorgeous , what a happy happy day
You are so lucky here you live that people can have their parties outdoors. Tomorrow we will be at Avon Vale and I pray for sun so we can visit Alum Chine, t is one of my favourite beaches with the great park there. Mich x
Oh, to have your child’s birthday in the summer months, bliss! I would love to have a forest party for Emma but with her birthday in November, it would be no fun! Beautiful pictures, once again!xx
I’m impressed how much you managed to fit into your day of birthdays, your lot all look like they’re loving every minute of it. It’s great to see smiles on everyone’s faces both at the seaside and in the woods, it’s great that the kids were all helping each other out in both places too. That cake looks like a great way to finish off a day celebrating two birthdays! Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.
What a wonderful adventure, double fun with 2 parties in one day and both making the best use of the outdoors and nature. You have got some lovely areas around you and great to see it all being used. I bet the kids were sound asleep at night after that especially after not sleeping between parties. Thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
lifes for living so make the most of every day hun, looks liek you all had a great time we love the beach
Wow, what a busy day. What brilliant parties and to have two on the same day! Not sure about the children I think I would be tired after all that outdoor fun.