Taliana had an absolutely amazing Wizard of Oz themed birthday party where Heather, Assaf and family (Heather’s parents and brother) donned their incredible home-made Halloween costumes. But, before we celebrated, we took the kids downtown to watch the annual Downtown Santa Cruz holiday parade.
We secured our usual spot in front of breakfast (Noah’s Bagels) and coffee (Peet’s! The kids had hot cocoa…). The weather could have been better, but armed with a gigantic golf umbrella, we were undeterred by the light rain!
Although we have several pictures of Cameron actually sitting in a chair, she spent the vast majority of pre-parade time marching up and down Pacific Avenue!! She is so hard to keep track of — she’s fast and shoos parental hands away 95% of the time — Tom and I had to switch off! I chased her in the direction of Walnut Avenue, and he chased her in the direction of the clock tower!
After the parade (and a little pre-party break at our house with all of the kids), it was party time!
After successfully completing an activity, kids visited Tom, who played the role of the Wizard, to collect their medal for bravery (after throwing confetti water on the Wicked Witch (Heather’s mom)), their heart medal (after making/coloring a card with the Tin Man for someone they loved), and their certificate (after completing a maze with the scarecrow).
Dylan enjoyed melting the Wicked Witch with the confetti water the best! Poor Heather’s mom indulged Dylan (and the other kids) by re-melting over and over and over again in quick succession!
Here’s Dylan with all his “loot” after he achieved all of his goals!
The costumes and the cake were phenomenal…
Heather as Glinda the Good Witch with Cameron (on the yellow brick road, of course!).
Heather’s mom, brother and dad as the Wicked Witch, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion….
Assaf as the Tin Man…
And, here’s the bday girl, herself, as Dorothy! Heather’s mom made the cake, complete with fondant yellow brick road and Emerald Palace (cardboard infrastructure by Heather’s dad)!!
After the happy guests departed, we stayed for pizza dinner and menorah lighting….Whew, what a day!
