It's a Kid Party, and I'll Cry if I Want To

I love my children's birthdays. I love deciding what presents to get them, making them a special breakfast, and letting them pick the dinner menu. Anything they want. We have had some very interesting combinations. Macaroni and cheese, garlic mashed potatoes, and Code Red Mountain Dew, or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with no crusts, jell-o jigglers, and chocolate milk. Now that they are getting bigger, the menus are getting more traditional. I love that my DH stays home on that day to do something special with just that child.

What I hate about children's birthdays are kid parties and cake baking. I don't know if it is because I am lazy, cheap, lack creativity, or prefer adult company, but the thought of planning a kid party makes my heart start beating an irregular rhythm. My older kids have probably each only had one kid party, and my youngest has never had one.

This year, though, my sons would not let me off the hook. Since both of their birthdays are in August, and all of their friends happen to be brother pairs like they are, and they wanted to go swimming at the pool, I caved. It was relatively cheap; I didn't have to clean my house or plan any activities; and DH came to keep me company and do crowd control. Actually, a pretty good time was had by all. The only problem is, now my daughters want friend parties. And somehow, I don't think I am going to talk them into combining.

The boys' birthday cake. A consensus couldn't be reached, so we had to support both KC teams

the most important part of a party--PRESENTS!!