Hello all. We had a great birthday weekend. Here’s a snapshot of what went down:
Birthday breakfast of Chocolate chip pancakes at the famous Magnolia Pancake Haus.
And she’s done.
Running to the Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese that is. We’re just keeping it real folks.
Skee-balla’
Happy Birthday said the giant Rat.
We decided that since PSP had a friend party last year, we would only do a family party this year. However I started to feel a little worried when friend after friend in her preschool class invited her to their birthday parties. Not one birthday was a kids’ house–each party was at either the museum, the jump-on-lots-of-inflated things place, or somewhere else totally rad. Part of me felt this little tug to keep-up-with-the-Joneses so to speak and throw some huge bash. It wasn’t a big tug, but I did feel a little old fashioned not doing more and especially explaining that we only did parties every other year. Additionally I worried that PSP would feel sad not to have a big party like all her friends.
But we stuck to our guns and it was magic. Waking up and going out for a special birthday breakfast and then heading strait to Chuck E. Cheese (birthday girls request!) for games and opening presents. It was perfect. Low key, yet fun. Family togetherness and simple birthday traditions. We also interviewed the birthday girl on camera, idea seen on Pinterest. Excited to keep that tradition going. I’m so glad we didn’t cave to the local peer pressure. Best of all the birthday girl loved it. She had a great time and kept saying thank you for all her gifts.
Here’s to being old fashioned.
Ah, Chuck E. Cheese! Brings back memories from when my kids were wee ones! It is a great bday place to go, for sure. I am so glad Princess Sparkle had a good time. I know that's what you wanted to happen. And it did. Plus, I love her hair!
I love that you stuck to your guns! Birthday parties have gone way out of control – I'm amazed at the hundreds of dollars parents spend on a 5 year olds party!! And seriously, it's just a way for the Moms to one-up each other… the kids would probably all prefer to have a simple at-home party… and don't get me started on the goodie-bags! AAAAHHHHHH!
Breath of fresh air! Thanks for this! We're on the same page… it was great to hear that things were so happy and magical.
AMEN!!
I have six kids so maybe this is a little different but I only let them have a friend party every other year. On the even years. I don't want them getting too spoiled and I don't want to tax our friends with obligations to buy gifts and I want to simplfy my crazy life. It has worked great! Then when it is their year for a party I don't feel guilty doing something a little bigger by going somewhere. Just a thought. Love your blog!