Chronicles of a southern scrapper has a balloon wake up idea as well. She suggests writing messages on balloons about what you love about the child. She also suggests having a balloon for each month the child is old. So every year there are 12 more balloons.
Tip junkie has a very cute idea for balloon decor making them look like giant lollipops. All you need are balloons, cellophane, and wrapping paper tubes. This could be a cute idea for the walkway too.
Mom tog has a really cute idea, especially to use as a backdrop for pictures is to have a wall full of balloons. You can make them a rainbow or have specific color themes.