Vince's Birthday

Celebrating Vince's Birthday!

 Vince is the first of our kids to celebrate a birthday in Indonesia.  When I asked him if he wanted to invite anyone over he replied saying that he didn't really know anyone yet.  I took that as an opportunity to suggest that instead of a party, we go somewhere fun.  He right away asked if we could go to KidZania.  Since we couldn't go on his actual birthday, due to Paul getting his licence, we went on Sunday with the Huizenga's. 

 

Saturday turned out to be a special day too.  First thing in the morning he got to video chat with Aunt Tanya, Uncle Rennie and the kids on facebook, then to his best friend Emerson on gmail, then both sets of grandparents, one on facetime and the other on facebook.  He got plenty of birthday wishes on facebook too, which he loved.  Isn't technology great?!  He got to have some special favourites, including Froot Loops, C1000 (an orange drink that claims to be full of vitamins), and "Lucky" sticks.  In the afternoon we went to see the "Planes" movie that just came out in theaters here and had pizza for supper.  We topped off the night with a dance party and some cake.  What a wonderful day!

 

Sunday was KidZania and that was just something else entirely.  Check out the pictures!

 

 

 

 

 Okay, so I know that this is far from professional, but I was quite proud of the fact that I made a cake and decorated it with homemade icing for my very first time.  Vince loved it and that's all that really matters.

 

 

It is impossible to find an actual birthday sign that you could buy.  And to think that was one of the things I took out of the suitcases...just in case it weighed too much!!  What? 

 

Very excited about his very first Nerf Gun for his birthday.  Also received a new car mat which is one of the things he missed most from home.



See?  He loves his cake!

 

 

So blessed to have the Huizenga's here to help celebrate with us.

 

 



 

 

 

KidZania

"KidZania is a kid-sized replica of a real city, with streets, buildings, retail and different vehicles (ie. bus, taxi, fire truck) driving around the City.  Children play adult roles and learn to be a doctor, a pilot, a construction worker, a private detective, an archeologist, an F1 driver and over 100 other professions and occupations.  There is a replica of the most representative buildings in a city such as a Hospital, Supermarket, Beauty Salon, Theatre, Industrial sites, and many more."

 

This place was very cool!  Major sensory overload, but the kids just loved it!

 

The first thing they had to do was go to the bank and get some KidZania money out so that they could buy things.

 

 

The first job Alana did was to work at the hospital in the nursery taking care of the babies.  When asked what her favourite job of the day was, she said it was this.

 

Jolene was not able to do all of the jobs, but she was able to play in this kitchen and work as a gardener.  She loved both.

 

 

 

 

In order to get his driver's licence, Vince had to get a physical done.  Here, he's getting his eyes and ears checked.  After passing the physical he was able to get his licence; a card with his picture, age, and name on it.

 

Getting driving instructions.

 



 

This is what he needed a licence for.

Vince was in second for three laps, then got spun around to place him in last.

 

 

 

One of my favourite parts of the day was watching Emma, Lauren, Alana and Jolene participate in a fashion show.  They got dressed up and even got to wear make up.  Because they were there at the right time they made it to the big time show on the main stage at the theatre in town.



Practicing for the main stage.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion Show at the Main Theatre

 



A taxi on one of the main streets in KidZania.

 

 

Vince's favourite was being a fireman.  He had to go for "training," then drove on the

back of the fire truck to the hotel that was on fire.  Using the hoses, they had to put the fire out. 

(Not real fire, just so you know).

  

 

 

 

Using his bank card to withdraw KidZania money.

 

All in all, Vince had a terrific birthday!  Thank you to those who sent him birthday wishes.  It made him feel special even though he couldn't spend it with his close family and friends.