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This birthday was based on the animated series Dora the Explorer. If you don't know what it's all about, check it out at the Nick Jr website.
You may notice an uncanny resemblance between Dora and Bela. Bela has noticed this too, and at times insists that she IS Dora. Selecting this theme came naturally.
My intention had been for the kids to feel as if they were in a Dora episode. I am not sure if it really worked out that way, but the parents report that the kids really enjoyed themselves. I went crazy with the preparations. I created a Dora adventure script (with the help of my ever-supporting family), complete with music, a map (one for each child) and three scenes (highlight was the spooky forest in the jumper); the goody bags were simple versions of Backpack (another one of Dora's helpers); and we all were characters in the adventure. Bela was Dora (naturally), I was Boots the Monkey (Dora's best friend), Gabe played Dora's nemesis Swiper the Fox, and Andy was the Grumpy Old Troll (a recurring character who only allows kids through his bridge if they perform a task).
Bela loved her birthday party, and that's what it was all for! We stayed in the jumper until it was picked up (after 10 pm and all guests had left.) so we could savor every moment of this extra-special day for Bela!
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| IMG_1081
... Jumper |
IMG_1084
... Boots the Monkey with Margaret |
IMG_1089
... "I'm 4!" |
IMG_1109
... Introducing Swiper the Fox |
IMG_1117
... Each child received their own map |
IMG_1120
... Map of the Adventure |
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| IMG_1128
... Grumpy Old Troll |
IMG_1140
... Swiper the Fox tries to steal the treasure chests |
IMG_1143
... Christian trades with Bela because he got Dora in his treasure chest |
IMG_1148
... "Where are we going?" Spooky Forest! |
IMG_1151
... Parents followed too |
IMG_1152
... Spooky Forest |
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| IMG_1153
... Kids about to enter their challenge in the Spooky Forest |
IMG_1166
... Dora Pinata |
IMG_1170
... Dora and Bela (mirror image?) |
IMG_1178
... Candy shower |
IMG_1179
... Candy |
IMG_1181
... More candy |
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| IMG_1208
... Happy birthday |
IMG_1209
... The whole family |
IMG_1213
... Bela looks happy! |
IMG_1215
... Blowing the candles |
IMG_1217
... Cutting the cake |
IMG_1218
... "Give me the knife" |
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| IMG_1226a... The goody bags (with boots) |
IMG_2004_... The animal charades challenge |
IMG_2004_... Friendly string pinata |
IMG_2004_... Blowing from a different angle |
IMG_2004_... The cake |
IMG_2004_... Jumper fun |
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| IMG_2004_... Jumper fun |
IMG_2004_... Jumper fun |
IMG_2004_... Birthday at school |
IMG_2004_... Mom gets a hug from birthday girl |
IMG_2004_... Bela likes the cupcakes |
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Last Updated: November 11, 2004