My granddaughter, Maryjane, turned six years old.  Her Pa turned forty-nine.  Our daughters set out to create an amazing sea experience to celebrate both of their birthdays.  This year they put on a Mermaid and Pirate party!

The coffee shop in Elizabeth is near and dear to us and we were so pleased that the owner gave Shyanne the key and let us have our party there.  It is the mid-way point for everyone in our families.  We live far enough away that we got a hotel room for the weekend and spent time with Emily and Reed and our beautiful little girls.  They stayed in the room with us and it was so much fun.

Every birthday is a gift.  Every year that the kids are small and let us snuggle them is a gift.  Every moment with family and friends is a gift.

Shyanne is the most amazing baker.  She always has been.  She was eight years old in the kitchen (cussing up a storm) making the most amazing confections.  Her craft only gets better and she created from scratch some amazing cupcakes and cakes this year.

She bought simple cardboard cake trays and had me hot glue them to inexpensive water cups.  These created beautiful cake stands.

The key to a great kid’s party is to limit the number of kids.  Have far more adults than children.  Sound ridiculous?  Think about it, thirty kids and six adults?  Or six kids and thirty adults?  The adults all mingle and catch up (these little girls have HUGE families) and the children are easily kept focused and have a great time together.

We served various teas and coffee.  A spread of gold fish, spray painted Oreos, fruit, veggies, dips and chips made great snacks.  Having the party just after lunch (say, 1 or 2:00) allows the host to serve simpler fare.

A great time was had by all.  Five generations of family, lots of great friends, kiddos, and a granddog celebrated these two beautiful people that I am so grateful to have in my life.

(To contact Shyanne about making an amazing cake, cupcakes, or cookies for your next event, check out her facebook page at http://facebook.com/WickedlyDeliciousDesserts or email her at Shyanne@WhiteWolfHerbscom)