Why...YES...we do kids parties, sort of.
A lot of parents I know pride themselves in the fact that they just don't do kids parties, anymore. As well they should. It takes a lot of time and effort (not to mention, money) to put one together (not to mention, the BIG CLEAN, afterwards) yet, my kids have attended dozens of "theme-park-type" birthdays, where the child's entire class is invited and, you know, actually shows up, which often times leaves the rest of us feeling dazed and totally UGH-mazed!
As a mom, I can certainly understand a parent's need to celebrate their child. Still. Does my kid really need another 20, or more...I dunno...tangible reasons to understand how much he, or she, is loved?
So, in an effort to reinforce the fact that my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I are truly observant and sensitive parents, our standard policy on throwing parties has been one of total avoidance.
Until our kids took matters into their own hands and showed us, a thing, or two!
My 3 oldest kids were born in November, December and January, respectively (didn't know I was the poster child of planned parenthood, didn'cha?) add in all the MAJOR holidays in, around and between all the other minor stuff, like, sleeping and eating...well...let's just say our timing has NEVER been perfect and we just don't do kids parties.
My youngest, however - being the last in a long line of independent little stinkers thinkers - took matters into her own hands and sent out her own personalized birthday party invitations!
Damn good thing that the moms realized that the invitations may have been bogus - since, they were written on construction paper and crayon - and called me, wondering, when the "real party" would be?
DAMN.
Well, after much deliberation (so...is anyone sick, this week?) and going over the guest list (thankfully, she ONLY invited 6 of her friends) yesterday was as good a day as any - especially, since my 3 oldest kids planned the whole entire party - to prove me wrong!
Okay, I did help set up the collapsible gazebo, blew up the balloons (shuddup!) oh, and ordered the pizza.
But, the kids came up with some pretty fun games, including a pillow case relay race and water balloon toss.
And even had some fun with the...ahem...preparations.
Especially, when the opportunity to "hose" your 14-year-old sister presented itself and The Boy, you know, took full advantage of his new found super power, of course!
The weather held out, so we were able to keep the ruckus outdoors (thank you, Jesus) and it was HOT (and humid) so, Thing Two was more than happy to have been designated "Lifeguard on Duty," sort of.
Like the "Dainty Donut Race" the older kids planned activities in, around and between keeping the younger kids wet, as well as fed.
Ending with some righteous face painting - 2 points if you can guess the character...
...the obligatory Elvis tattoo...
...and annual beating something with a bat until it FINALLY breaks open and ALL the candy falls out!
Even the cake was down-sized to a respectable store bought brand of ice cream cake and Mini-me was more than happy to settle for the Yellow M&M, since...you know...they were all out of Sponge Bob, dammit!
Although, it wasn't a very expensive event - or, all that elaborate even - the other moms seemed to be very impressed that it was, you know, a family thing and Mini-me and her 4 little friends had a great time, too!
Wait a minute - didn't I say that she invited a total of 6?
[shrugs]
Well, one of her little friends never did R.S.V.P. (been there, done that) and one, well, her mom just called me this morning to apologize and tell me that she got her dates screwed up and really thought the party was, you know, today.
"I am mortified and embarrassed and so...so...sorry, because I really didn't know how to call you, or tell you..."
[heavy sigh]
"STOP!"
Silence.
"You had me at mortified!"
Because, you know, it's not like I have never, ever done that...either!
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