Amaal's 8th Birthday Surprise

It was extremely difficult planning the party as it was my daughter's 1st party ever and I didn't want her to know about anything. I had to ask her 2 sisters to give her friends' invites at school and also tell them not to mention anything to her. The night before the party (the day of her birthday) we let her watch movies..whichever she fancied so I could bake all the cupcakes and just ice it the next day. I had my mom pick her and my other daughter upthe morning so my niece could 'make her pretty', as she just thought we were giving a braai for the family...then I had to rush with all the cupcakes and decorating the room. When everyone was here we let her come over, blindfolded her and took her to the room. She was so shocked and it took her half an hour to recover, before eventually starting to chat to her friends. Everything worked out perfectly and as planned. It was all so worthit...just to see the reaction on her face, PRICELESS!! :)

• Best Moment

  Seeing my daughter's face when she opened her eyes and saw her school friends also.

• Funniest Moment

  Seeing her shy and speechless for the first time (she's the outspoken one)

• Most Touching Moment

  When she came to me out of the blue and said thank you for everything

• Desserts

  Malva pudding with custard

• Activities / Games

  Hello Kitty memory game, dance-off competition, etc

• What People Ate

  The kids had their own plates with sweets and a hello kitty cupcake and boerewors rolls were served just before they went home. Had savoury platters for the adults while the men were braaing.

• What People Drank

  Cooldrinks, juice, coffee

• Get-together

  My highlight was bringing both mine and my husband's families together...everyone just mingling and having fun. The kids were playing outside till late with games such as 'hide-and-seek' and all those type of games and some adults even joining.

• Surprise rides

  My friend's boyfriend came with his motorbike and the evening he gave each child a ride around the block. They enjoyed themselves so much as they didn't expect that...neither did I :)