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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Little Bear's Birthday Party

 image from here


My 3 year old, Reid loves the Little Bear books by Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak, but his favorite story is "Birthday Soup."


As his birthday neared he would ask if we were going to have birthday soup for his birthday. 

So, that's just what we did.

We even re-enacted the whole story with little costumes and all.

I made the headbands much like I did Reid's bee antennae last year. See this post.

We made sure all the characters were there:
Little Bear of course.


Chicken with her gift of honey.

Duck with his gift of flowers.


And Cat with his apple. He didn't really want his picture taken, but I can't blame him. The cat ears are a little girly but it just worked out that he had to play the cat. :) What a good sport.


We laid out a white table cloth adorned with each gift just like in the book.

And served birthday soup made with carrots, potatoes, peas and tomatoes.


I used this recipe which was delicious. I just added two more bullion cubes, used chicken bullion instead of vegetable, and added about 1/2-2/3 cups of heavy cream.

We added some birthday bread and steak later, but before that...

As we sat down to eat soup, Chicken slipped out to change 'costumes', and Mother Bear came in with a nice big chocolate cake. 

 Just like in the book.

  image found here


It's cake mix and canned frosting because being pregnant has taken a toll on my energy, but Reid didn't care, so I tried not to too. :)

Reid loved the whole thing and would refer to us in character. He called his dad "Cat" for days afterward. :) 

22 comments:

mysteryhistorymom said...

This is one of my favorite books ever. Thank you so much for sharing this lovely and memorable birthday celebration, Mother Bear.:) Lori

Erin said...

that is amazing. so fun!

Denise said...

That is SO awesome! He'll definitely always remember that birthday.

The Miller Five said...

What a fabulous idea! How stinking fun. My son's current favorite book is Otis. If he still likes it in March, it would be fun to have an Otis the tractor party.

darkislethebooks said...

Great idea and fab headdresses. The pic of your husband made me laugh a lot!! Men are so funny.

I wouldn't worry about the frosting being out of a tin...you've made a huge effort for your wee boy for his birthday!

Dawn x

darkislethebooks said...

Great idea and fab headdresses. The pic of your husband made me laugh a lot!! Men are so funny.

I wouldn't worry about the frosting being out of a tin...you've made a huge effort for your wee boy for his birthday!

Dawn x

Suzie said...

I love this! I am happy to be enjoying Little Bear all over again with Grandgirls!

Deidra said...

So sweet, so simple and perfect for a birthday.

I don't think I'm familiar with this book-- but I'm heading to my library's website to change that!

Mindy said...

This is such a sweet idea, and I have loved that book since I was a child, too. Your birthday party brought back memories for me.

TeamMcDonough said...

This is one of our favorite books. I read it to my 22 year old when he was small and I read it to my 6 & 4 year old now. Your party and pictures are amazing!

Larissa said...

cute. what a great family party. love all the details.

Just Another Day in Paradise

kendascrafts said...

what a sweet little party! Love the costumes. :-)

Kaylyn said...

Oh so sweet little birthday party fun. And congratulations on the baby!!!!!

Amy said...

what a lovely birthday! and lovely delicious looking cake too!

p.s. i must have missed the post about being pregnant. congrats to you and your family!!

Anjanette said...

The picture of your husband as cat made me laugh out loud. Thanks for that.

Allie said...

Delia, this is so cute. I love love love Little Bear. I read it to my students every year. What a fun birthday. :)

Vicky said...

That is a giant cake. x

Bec said...

What a spectacular party! Very creative, and simple and great! Love it! Great job, Mamma Bear!

Wright's said...

Where have I been, I didn't know you were prego. Congratulations! I've already decided when I get pregnant again, I'll probably be done blogging all together. I don't know how people keep going.
I'm glad Reid loved his party, it's looks like a lot of fun.

Tricia said...

delia, you are so creative and so great at family celebrations. I LOVE THIS. seriously. love. :)

Anna said...

okay, you are too tricky, nice trying to sneak by the old 'pregnant' in there. congrats to you and your family. :) maybe it'll be a girl this time?!

Ellen said...

My boys love this book, too. Soooo cute!