Sixteen Candles in Quarantine

I'm sure many of you have had a quarantine birthday or at least have a friend whose birthday fell during the days when stores were closed and no one was supposed to be in contact. Robyn's birthday happened to be during that time, but we disregarded all the rules and threw her a big party.

Party of one, that is.

Just kidding. She stayed at home like everyone else and we enjoyed some family time. But family time can still be pretty fun.

Pearl left Robyn sweet puzzle notes that she put together when she got up. (Yes, we let her sleep in on her birthday.)

We did the balloon challenge. It was a little breezy and we had a little trouble keeping all the balloons on the blankets. We had more pop this time than ever before. But we just refilled them as needed.

Looks like Robyn is ready for the challenge.

There was candy, chapstick, money, water, and challenges in her balloons. Early on she picked a challenge to wear an article of clothing taken from each family member. She went inside and came out looking like this. (Then she laughed at us because she said that now if she got a water balloon, she would be soaking our clothes, not hers.)

Everyone took turns popping balloons and lucky for Robyn (and us), she got all the water balloons.

She avoided most of the challenges, but she got one more at the end. She had to make a story where each word started with a letter of the alphabet in order. Pretty tricky. This is a good attempt, but there's not much plot to this story.

Another Bear Can't Do Everything. Father Goat Has Ideas. Joey (Kangaroo) Likes Mourning Nothing. Only Pumpkin (Quick Rabbit) Stops To Use Vacuums. Well, Xylophones Yell Zoot!

Robyn got her choice of birthday dinner and she requested chili in bread bowls. My kids don't love sourdough bread, which is usually the kind they have at the store, so I tried my hand at making my own bread bowls. I think they turned out pretty well.

Presents were a little tricky. I ordered things off of Amazon a month in advance and some things were still just barely on time. (Shipping delays to be expected during a pandemic.) Here is the great shocked face when you already know exactly what you are getting. (What? An echo dot? Who knew?)

But she got other unexpected things with genuine delight.

No cake because she requested Caramel S'mores Bars. (They are better than cake.)

Perhaps we didn't do anything wild and crazy for her birthday, but I would say Robyn had a good day. And she is very loved. The Glow Cat was especially well received. It is a fun little thing. It changes colors and makes an excellent night light. It matches Robyn's personality. Sometimes a little angel and sometimes a little devil. :)

Also, shortly after turning 16, she went on her first date. Cael (neighbor boy) and his cousin took the girls out on a double date. Robyn missed all the end of school dances she might have gone to, but that doesn't mean you can't hang out with friends and have a good time.

I can't believe she is 16. These girls just keep growing and they are such amazing young women. Mine is a life truly blessed. (Yes Robyn, I can hear you say that is Fernand's voice.)