I cannot believe it…my “baby” turns nine on Sunday. With that harsh reality also comes the dreaded question. What kind of party will she have? In early January, I was looking at either one MASSIVE party or two medium sized parties, one for her friends and one for our large extended family. The family all lives fairly close, and quite frankly, expects a party. And honestly, my daughter is very attached to most of these people, so it seems unfair to deny her a party with them. Then, there’s the school friends issue. No one gets an invitation unless they ALL get an invitation. That’s the school rule. One I definitely understand, but hate at the same time. Regardless, it’s another factor we must consider when planning a party.
So I began my yearly research of possible birthday venues and their party packages…Swim parties, museum parties, bowling parties, gymnastics parties…and so much more. Prices varied greatly, from just at $100 to over $300. Then again, I also had to consider the guests. I found great rates for a two hour swim session at an indoor pool…but I just couldn’t see Grandmothers and uncles swimming with Emma’s school friends (I don’t know, it just seemed wierd).
By the end of January, I was cut a huge break. “Girl Drama” as I loathingly call it struck my daughter and her “best friend”. So, much like her mother, my baby decided she “didn’t want to deal with any of them”. Neither of us deal all that well with conflict! So the decision was made…a fun, family party. I still had to find the place, as parking is a huge issue at our house, but it had gotten a whole lot easier.
My mother-in-law was able to rent out part of the clubhouse at her apartment complex for a very reasonable price. Emma decided on a “dinner party”, requesting salad, lasagne, bread, and, of course, cake (also provided by my mother-in-law who makes wonderful cakes!). We’ll throw in some sodas and call it a party. I feel like I got off really easy…and Emma is ELATED! Sometimes it’s the simple things that makes them the happiest!
Okay…I did get off really easy. I won’t leave you hangin’. Stay tuned for some fun birthday ideas for kids!
Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography via Flickr Creative Commons.
Leave a Reply