Where do we even begin? This 7th celebration was truly special. Of course because we got to see our little girl so excited, proud and happy. But this 7th celebration was extra special because of the incredible generosity of others, their kindness, and unquestioned willingness to go above and beyond.
We took Gwendolyn ice skating last winter for the first time and she absolutely loved it. We put “magic skates” on her wheels and she giggled feeling the cool wind on her face as she and Bill whipped around the rink. Soon after we met up with bestie Hayden at a different rink and had another fun skating experience, including twirls and music and “fast, fast, fast” fun. And then Frozen came out, making all things ice and snow extra fabulous. Gwendolyn knew exactly how she wanted to celebrate her birthday this year!
Ice skating in California is a rare opportunity. Just finding rinks is often only seasonal or quite a trek. Knowing this is something Gwendolyn loves, we thought it would make for the perfect extra special activity for a birthday party. But was it possible? The nearest permanent ice rink to us is the Channel Islands Ice Center in Oxnard, about 45 minutes south of Santa Barbara. We had no idea if they hosted parties or how this would work but sent an email off to inquire. We got a response immediately that left us speechless and in tears. Larry at the Ice Center said they would be honored to donate an entire rink to Gwendolyn’s celebration — all we had to do was show up! This meant we could invite all of Gwendolyn’s friends without hesitation. This meant she would be out on the ice surrounded by all of those who love her (without the stares or comments from strangers). This made everything so simple. This sealed the party celebration. And we knew this would definitely make our sweet girl so happy. And the Ice Center didn’t stop there. When we arrived, they had a framed Frozen poster for Gwendolyn, made a special Frozen bow for her (which she wore on her coat), and let us take over and blast Frozen and princess music the entire time. They were also more than accommodating about everything and continually went out of their way to make sure Gwendolyn was okay and everyone was having a blast.
When the invitation went out, Gwendolyn’s party became quite the talk at school. Most of her friends had never ice skated. They were excited and nervous and adorably squealed about it all. It was so incredible to us that so many parents drove the distance to be part of the party — some carpooling and rearranging their plans to be there. We love to give Gwendolyn new experiences. In fact, much of our life is filled with figuring out creative ways for Gwendolyn to get to have new experiences. It seemed especially neat that she was the seasoned pro giving this new ice skating experience to her friends. Gwendolyn is confident out on the ice. She feels she is a seasoned skater now. And it was so sweet to watch her encouraging her friends, see her light up skating with them, and hear her giggling with them as they wobbled. Bill and I took turns skating with her and helping her friends on the ice. Gramma even got out there too. It was so fun for us to look around and see all the smiles and hear all the giggles as parents helped their children on the ice and remembered their own fun ice skating as a child. We received several thank you notes that the children can’t stop talking about the fun they had and can’t wait to go ice skating again. Awesome!
Gwendolyn wanted a “fancy cake” this year… and I mean fancy! Since she doesn’t eat orally, we have never focused too much on the cake, apart from it being a sweet treat for her guests. We’ve always had cupcakes in the past and she has liked those, even had a little taste of the frosting. But, this year, she was very clear that she needed a fancy cake. We looked on Pinterest together and she selected photos of the styles she liked — elegant, wedding-like, and glitter frosting was, of course, a must. I looked up several bakeries but had trouble finding one that had sample photos of what Gwendolyn had in mind. But then I found the new Lilac Patisserie. Perfect, perfect perfect! Not only were their photos exactly what we were looking for, but Lilac Patisserie is a dedicated gluten free bakery. Gwendolyn has several friends with Celiac disease and we know several parents have gluten free diets, too. We wanted everyone to be able to enjoy this special fancy cake and so this was a perfect choice. And, oh my gosh, it was delicious and gorgeous and perfect! Gillian and Alam Muralles went above and beyond. They created a three tier cake with blue ombre rosettes that led into the glittery and snow flaked top — they even added snowflakes bursting out like fireworks. The cake was in two flavors — and people couldn’t believe it was all gluten free! This cake had the definite wow factor and a giant seal of approval from Miss G!
Lilac Patisserie not only outdid themselves with the decorations, yumminess, delivering it (45 minutes each way), and setting it up for us, but they also made us completely speechless. Before they left, Gillian and Alam quietly gave us a very generous personal donation for the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, saying: “We just want to support what you are doing.” All in the midst of building their bakery, starting a new business, and preparing for the opening. Tears — and the party hadn’t even started yet! Completely blown away. Can’t wait to order another cake from them!
We had one last special surprise for the birthday girl and her friends — and one last incredible gesture of generosity. Queen Elsa! Since Gwendolyn chose the Frozen theme for her birthday (like 10 million other little girls this year), we knew a special visitor would really make her entire year. We emailed Joanna Bert from Smile and a Song Princess Parties but knew availability and distance may be a problem. Joanna called us back right away, but, unfortunately, she was booked with parties all day. She generously offered to come to our home to visit and sing to Gwendolyn on another day. As we kept talking she really wanted to find a way to make it work and, before I knew it, she said she couldn’t miss it, would rearrange some things, and be there in time for the birthday cake. And, she insisted on “donating her time as a gift to our sweet princess.” Incredible!
We didn’t tell Gwendolyn about Queen Elsa’s appearance so when she came off the ice she was completely surprised. This was a definite rock star moment for Gwendolyn and she was overwhelmed with excitement and closed her eyes for the first few minutes Queen Elsa talked to her. Joanna is Elsa — hands down the best Elsa we have ever seen (Disneyland should hire her asap!) Along with great costume and make up, she has huge blue eyes and looks just like the movie character. And, she sings beautifully and is so wonderful with the children (some of their comments are hilarious and she really has to think on her feet). She was so great with Gwendolyn, gentle, loving, playful, and made her feel like the most special little girl in the world.
Once we got all the kids off the ice we gathered around the cake and Queen Elsa led us all in singing Happy Birthday. Gwendolyn was simply glowing. I got a lump in my throat seeing Gwendolyn so enthralled, surrounded by so many people who love her, and I just felt grateful. Grateful for Gwendolyn. Grateful for so much love for her. And grateful for the kindness and good in the world.
Gwendolyn brings out something special in people. We are all connected on this earth and she seems to draw that reminder out of us all. During our life with her we have experienced so much goodness — but it is still completely overwhelming to be recipients of such unexpected kindness. And it never ceases to amaze us that generosity toward Gwendolyn seems to always come from a place of joy — not pity. We are so grateful for the kindness (it truly impacts our lives and helps get us through those tough days). But it always amazes us that the givers seem as if they are equally grateful for the opportunity to give back. And this makes the experience all the more humbling.
Party details ~ Gwendolyn always loves the details. Along with a fabulous cake, Elsa, and ice skating, the birthday girl needed an outfit! Etsy is always our go to resource. She wore a personalized snowflake and number 7 shirt with her name on it, a “Snow Princess” crown, an ombre blue tutu skirt that was split in the back and fabulously wrapped around her waist with a glittery silver bow, silvery blue leggings, and a snowy and cozy white jacket. She felt gorgeous!
Thank you all so much for your continued love, generosity, and support. It has been a fabulous birthday indeed!
