Life moves on, one day, one pile at a time. Every now and then you need a diversion and a good smile!
Our oldest grand turned seven at the beginning of the month so we headed to their house for his birthday. When we arrived there was a big bus in front of the house -- and not a kid to be seen! They had all stepped inside the bus for a video experience!
This bus has screens on one side and the back with every video game known to humankind. (Well, at least all the kid ones). The other side is a bench, lots of control panels and a whole bunch of kids glued to the screen!
It's a long way from Pin the Tail on the Donkey -- and I'm not sure I like the idea of exposing kids to even more video than they always see. And, they aren't interacting with each other but independently, all in a semi-zombie state. But I have to admit, they loved it -- and the guy who runs the bus is making a bloody fortune doing parties. He had three more lined up that day. I'm not sure, but I think Kevin said they were $250 each for two hours, so he's doing all right. Looking for a sideline? Outfit a bus!
And, to be fair, the kids did actually play together outside, too, so not all socialization was lost!
Of course there was pizza -- and cake! (It was a big one!)
Kevin cut the cake -- big pieces and still, lots left over!
And after cake, presents. Legos and Minecraft are in! I was pleased that the Minecraft poster I found as an extra gift to put in with the books and t-shirts was probably one of the bigger hits of the day!
It was carefully examined and then immediately hung on the living room wall, to be transferred to the bedroom after the party!
It's hard to believe this little guy was once so little.
And so full of wonder at the most simple of things.
We've had lots of wonderful moment with him and his brother -- but maybe the best was this. (But then, there have been plenty of other "bests" since -- and more to come!)
We've come a long way. And it has been a fun ride!
Sharing with: Friday Face Off
57 comments:
...they grew up too quickly!
Now, that's a novel idea. I have never heard of it in Hawaii, but I think it would be a hit with kids that age. Happy Birthday! Aloha from Hawaii!
Happy Birthday and I do mean happy. What a great idea and it sure is a hit with everyone. Thank you for sharing this with FFO and have a great weekend.
What fun to enjoy the latest birthday party novelty! I remember birthdays at the Saturday afternoon movies which were even less interactive/active/social than a bus full of video games, and somehow those earlier generations grew up too.
You are lucky to be enjoying this kid stuff.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Smart guy! That is a brilliant idea for these times. I'm not sure about the kids being glued to the screens like that, either, but then...when I was a kid the TV screen was just as addictive. I remember when we got our first color TV--OMG! They were just as worried about us kids being glued to the screen like zombies--lol! We survived okay. Well, mostly okay--ROFL!
Happy birthday to that handsome grandboy! They grow up so fast...and are such a joy! :)
I have to agree with you about that bus video experience. But I guess times change--we loved to play "pin the tail on the donkey' and also have a pinata sometimes...But then I'm an 80-yr oldster hahaha. I am sure the kiddos loved it...
hugs, Julierose
I think grandchildren grow up even faster than our children did. What a fun party! Not sure about the video bus, but the world changes.
Great photos and memories. The video bus sounds like a dream come true for kiddos!
Your grandson is getting so big, and a Happy Birthday to him! What a fun idea the video bus was for the kids. Looks like they loved it. Yea, birthdays are no longer pin the tail on the donkey. My son had Power Ranger characters one year when he was into them. I love the picture when he was small next to the pinecones. And that cake looks fabulous and Yummy! That's nice of dad to cut big pieces for everyone. Oh, they do grow up fast, don't they, Jeanie.
~Sheri
Treasyure te time with your littles as long as you can! Happy weekend, hugs, Valerie
Happy 7th Birthday!
What a fantastic party!
Jeanie> What a wonderful surprise. He is really growing up. Love the hair! I agree about the kids not interacting with each other but that really is an inventive idea..xxoJudy
Lovely family pics -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
How fun! That bus is a stroke of genius, at least in terms of making kids happy. (If not parents and grandparents. :) ) I think the kids actually are interacting, in a way, when they play video games -- I remember playing with my siblings when I was a kid and even though we were all focused on the screen, it seemed like a very communal experience. (Granted, those were ancient games like "Space Invaders" and "Asteroids" -- but I suspect modern games give that same sense.)
Oh my! A bus full of video games! It might be better than going to Chucky Cheese, though. At least all the little munchkins are in one spot.
I do hope the books will work. Books are a hard sell these days with the wee ones.
So so cute!!! Yeah, I thought the same thing about all those little faces totally glued on those screens, but it wasn't for hours and hours and they still had a 'party' with that yummy looking cake!! And oh yes, they sure do grow up so very fast!! Enjoy these years of littles!!!
Dawn P. Albany, GA
Oh my gosh. That bus had to have been a huge hit.
Lots of fun!
It seems a bit wrong for 7-year-olds, but there you go.
Our grandies like mystery rooms where you have to find clues and solve to puzzle to get out.
My youngest has his birthday today. We don't speak, but I do have proof of life from his siblings! :-)
Goodness Jeanie the grands are really growing up! They do seem to grow up much faster than our children. I've seen those buses outfitted and have to say children love them and grandparents shake their heads in disbelief. Glad your gift of Minecraft was a hit. It can be difficult to choose gifts for grands. Ours are older now and I'm afraid it's now gift cards or money that I personally hate giving, but they love to receive. Have a happy weekend!
I agree with your opinions. Heck. The first video game I played was PONG. Then Moorhuhn and that was that! Other you count That Jack-Quiz-game.
Lucky you, I have not seen my Nieces (or Brother) in more than.... I think it´s two years by now.
On Birthdays and Christmas/New Years we chat over the phone and that´s that. Reckon my SIL is very happy.
Bro calls me from time to time or I leave him a WhatsApp.
Well.
If I´d wanted a family I would´ve gone for that!
What a clever idea the bus owner had. I'm sure all the kids had a great time. The games and birthday treats may be different from when we were their age but that seems part of the changing times.
They grow up so quickly and I'm sure that bus and the video games was a BIG party hit. Lovely photographs.
Two of our Grands have birthdays this month ... fun times.
Wishing you a happy weekend.
All the best Jan
It is a very happy family you have there
Time just goes away too fast, doesn't it? That sounds like a great party. And wow, that bus is quite the birthday party idea. I think in this "new" world the more computer skills (even games) the better since that's the way the world is going. But I still know what you mean by socializing. Teamwork is never a bad thing. I hope you have a great weekend Jeanie. hugs-Erika
They grow up pretty fast...lovely post
Looks like a fun party! The last picture is a wonderful memory for you all.
Happy birthday to the youngster! Everyone looks like they're having fun.
Kids do grow up quickly, don’t they? I have one staring 57 in the face.
Looks like a fun party, happy birthday to your grandson.
They do grow up, so fast.
Take care, have a happy weekend.
Am sure that bus is booked every weekend. Kids love video games and I read where they are finding more kids will need glasses because of it. My grands are the same way though with their =video games. Happy Belated Birthday to that sweet boy. He sure is growing up. Janice
I know I'm showing my age, but the last thing I'd want for a kids' party is more screen time. A birthday party would be such a good opportunity to offer different experiences that involve socializing and interaction. I know -- old woman yelling at clouds, but study after study is showing how negatively excessive screen time can affect kids. That said -- at least there was cake!
If left to you and I, I’m sure we wouldn’t have the kids playing video games, but it’s 2024 and kids are into video games now and I can see how much they loved it! They have both grown up so much. It looks like he had a memorable birthday!
Wow! So quickly he has grown up. It makes me realize how long I have followed along and known you too. He wasn't even a thought when I first met you here. I think I would have similar feelings to yours about a bus with video games for a party. It looks like they really enjoyed it. My grandson would love it too. Happy Birthday to your oldest grand. Glad he liked the poster.
Time whizzes by! We change the clock today! the geese have started arriving at least 3 weeks early.I agree a long way from Pin The Tail On the Donkey.lol.
I had forgotten, but now I have a dim recollection of JJ going to a party like that.
How much fun! How brilliant to outfit a bus like a video game arcade and drive it to party sites! I know the kids loved it! Cute photos, both old and new!
Jenna
Wow, I thought I'd seen it all! Who knew, a bus with video games for kids. I'm positive it was a hit with the boys, can't get away from it. Like you I love the old fashion Pin the tail on the donkey games but it's a new world. Yes, I watched those cute munchkins grow into darling boys and I know you both are so proud of them. Enjoy these early years, they'll be driving before you can turn around. I have one...........
So true time just passes by so quickly. Your post made me smile and my heart beat a bit faster in joy remembering my own boys birthday celebrations. Thanks for sharing - Love you Jeanie!!!
How can he be seven?! The bus is new to me, I haven’t heard of it around here. Looks like they had a grand time. Great photos, Jeanie. Both of your grands are so handsome!
Jeanie,
Happy Birthday to the Birthday Boy!!!
Looks like you have a wonderful time with family....Nothing better than that!! The baby is darling!!! Thanks again for stopping by!! Rain and wind today and snow showers and squalls and wind tomorrow....UGH!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
The guy with the bus is making a FORTUNE. It seems the kids had fun, even if it wasn't something you would have chosen for their party. They sure grow up fast!!!
Happy belated birthday to the birthday boy.
They grow up so quickly! I remember seven as a very challenging age and often wondered whether people were talking about the same kid when they said my daughter was an "angel" - she certainly wasn't one at home during that age.
Awww, Happy Birthday. I haven't seen that party idea, but then again, mine's only 2. Looks like the kids had a great time, and congratulations on finding a winning present! That's always satisfying.
Isn't seven a great age?
Have a grand weekend, Jeanie.
This is Lisa. It’s always fun when your gift is such a hit! You never know when that might happen! I have heard of these video game buses. I know of other families that rented them although their kids are bigger, more around 9-12 I think. I think Paul would be a total zombie. But wow is it a good business model!! Last year we had Paul’s party at a park but had to wait until may. This year he invited 5 friends over and they will build a small Lego set. He picked it out last week and went with something related to cats - maybe a cat doctor workshop or something like that? He invited 2 girls so was thoughtful about picking out a set that wasn’t super gendered. And of course he’s a big fan of cats so it was an easy pick!
The kids are growing up so very fast!!
Happy belated birthday to your grandson! 🎂
Sounds like he had a blast at his party.
I love the idea of the Minecraft poster as an extra gift – thoughtful and right on trend!
Hugs and blessings, Jeanie
As I grew I always heard that time flies as you age, so yes, that would mean that those bdays of the ones we love seem to fly around, and around so fast. Happiest Bday.
Looks like an amazing birthday party! Video game parties are very popular here and the kids looked like they were loving it in your pictures. The Minecraft poster- is perfect. So glad your grandson has such a special day. :)
~Jess
It's a great idea but I wonder if they are doing this for a seven-year-old what are they gonna do when he's 21? Great expectations!
wow what a birthday party! 7 how wonderful ours is 13 ugg.
Cathy
Adorable. They do grow up so fast. Happy birthday to him.
Kids parties aren't what they used to be ... it's all very high tech, or indoor party venues with jumping castles, etc. In my kids time I used to have parties in our garden and the kids played games with each other, climbed trees, rode bicycles, etc.
My grandkids also celebrate at indoor venues, while the parents look on and nobody seems to talk to each other.
So fun. Happy birthday wishes sweet boy. The cake looks good too. Happy Monday.
Happy Birthday to Kevin. I hate those video game buses.. my kids have been to a few of those parties and while they love them I agree with you. It's just more screen time.
Happy Birthday to your grandson, Kevin!
The lovely seven year old boy, gets a special bus birthday party. What a Joy!
It looks like he had a fabulous birthday! Funny enough we were just talking this morning about a party my nephew had just like this when all my boys (and my nephew!) were little. They loved that video game van!
A little late but Happy Birthday to your grand. Looks like a wonderful celebration. I've never heard of a video game bus before, a bit after the time I used to give our son birthday parties.
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