What could these things have in common?
Oh, and lets not forget snow, lots of snow and bouncing...
My grandsons 5th birthday!!!
We spent this last weekend up by our oldest son and daughter-in-laws to join in the celebration of Collin's 5th Birthday. What a fun filled weekend, despite the winter weather advisories with wind, cold and snow everywhere. It was nice and cozy inside for a birthday party for a special boy and a few friends at Edinborough Park, in Edina, Minnesota.
Just outside of Minneapolis is this inside park with what they call the country's largest indoor climbing, crawling, slip sliding and bouncing adventure. This place was huge, and I can see why it would be a great place for a kids party or just a day out during the long cold winter months that freeze over the mid-west. We can easily catch a case of cabin fever and when you have kids... well I am sure all of you that have them can agree that being locked up inside with little ones, who are bored and have too much pent-up energy, running around the house can drive a-mom-or-dad CRAZY!
We spent most of our time inside Adventure Peak where almost an acre of bouncing, climbing, running, jumping, not to mention some cool slides did a great job of keeping the little critters busy and entertained (watching them was quite fun too, if not just as exhausting!) They even have a special area for wee little ones too. With smaller slides, climbing things and more fun. Cool rock climbing walls and dodging over stuffed rolls that were vertically tiered or hanging, rope and mesh tunnels high above ground and lots of look out points to wave at the parents sitting below. Though a few adults did follow some children through this giant tree house full of obstacles, I did not venture that far for fear of getting lost or worse! ☺
Adventure Peak climbing tower and bounce house
Two and a half year old little brother Sam did not have any interest of the toddler area, he ran in with the big kids! That is one boy that has No Fear!
The kids spent a good portion burning off calories (and making more gray hairs in this Grammys head) and then it was time for pizza and snacks. Of course birthday cake was dessert. A cute Disney Cars themed cake with Lightning McQueen and Tater on top (to play with later).
Sam in the stripes trying to reach through moms arms to get at the cake!
Then the kids thought nothing of running back into Adventure Peak. After a little while though I noticed an increase in volume of screams and giggles, as I think, at least half if not more of the kids playing were they for some type of party, so I am assuming the volume increase came of an intense sugar high or maybe I should call it sugar Roar!
Sam has no problem eating cake!
There was also another room that kids could use scooters and other wheeled vehicles to ride or push each other on, with a much larger bounce house for older kids. Sam was giving it "the eye" but went back into the Peak instead, whewww! This was a nice alternative for a party with kids, especially during winter days when a house full of kids could drive the most patient of people nuts! It is open everyday, so if I lived in the area I would be taking advantage of indoor park. There is additional facilities for workouts and more, too. Minneapolis/St. Paul area has lots of great parks and things to do, I really like their public park system.
The next day would be the family party. More adults and of course cousins too. This one was scheduled for later in the day, so a bit more low keyed.
Instead of a cake, Mom had a friend of hers that bakes, make special cupcakes! Yummy!
Collin admiring his special birthday cupcakes
Of course there was playtime with the cousins and adults visiting and watching what the littles where doing as well. We think Collin may have a future in television, as things were getting set up in-between the food and before the cupcakes would be served, Collin starting introducing everyone who was there. He is quite the little comic, ☺ when he ran out of people he was announcing the food, items in the room and of course the presents! He became the entertainment for the party!
Collin enjoying his Birthday cupcake.
Considering he had major surgery on both legs earlier this year, and the problems he has already battled, he has come a long way. Collin is such a cheery guy and a snuggler, it is always hard to pack up to say goodbye.
It seems like he grew 6 inches taller just since July! Both Collin and his little brother are growing like crazy. We can't wait until we see them again. I am sure they will be still crawling, climbing and bouncing!
As a side note, I mentioned last week about the flurries seen in my area, when I arrived home there was several inches of flurries that needed to be removed from our mountain of a driveway. Hubby got a workout shoveling our sons sidewalk and back parking area and when he got home he had our humongous driveway, but with ours luckily he gets to use a lawn tractor with a snow thrower on it. And yes, I am still freezing!
Thanks for sharing this moment with me.
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Until next time ...
I was in no way compensated for this post. Any places or items mentioned were paid for by myself or family and enjoyed by them and friends, and mentioned in case you care to check them out.