Once everything was set up and organized, it wasn't long before guests started showing up. I insisted on taking pictures of the party preparations- for prosperity's sake.
My good friend Jessica was kind enough to bring by her bounce house for the kids to occupy themselves with until the main event arrived. It always amazes me how often it is that buying something outright ends up being cheaper than renting it. Such is the case of the bounce house.
Guests began trickling in at 12:45, and I promptly entered the Hostess phase of my many masks for the day. Bubble wands and sidewalk chalk were presented for the amusement of FAR too many children under the age of 7 than I cared to admit I had the non-existent sense in inviting. In all reality, it was not the unpleasant experience I make it out to be, but it was ALOT for everyone.
We had various family members without children stop by with birthday wishes for the big girl, but most didn't stay long- it was obvious this was an absolutely kid-oriented party, and I dont blame them one bit for getting the heck outta Dodge while they still could!
Then it was time for the sugar-high of cake before my promised entertainment arrived to wear the kids out for the evening. The cake was a HUGE hit, and the cacophony of voices that rose up in a slightly off-key rendition of "Happy Birthday" was both heart-warming and a reminder of why it is mostly blissfully ignorant drunks that participate in karaoke contests.
Once everyone was properly infested with sugary goodness, it wasn't long before the ever talked-about FunBus arrived. I may have been a bit premature in my announcement to about 12 children between the ages of 3 and 7 of the great beasts arrival, so it was then my responsibility to corral the little rascals until the bringers of said contained fun had a chance to set up. It was not easy, but my background in preschool education served me well. It also erupted a variation of frightened looks and amused grins from the adult party goers.
After several stirring rounds of "If you're happy and you know it" the bus crew declared they were "ready" (yea right- have they MET these kids?) and the crew of merry-makers were off.
The bus was a great break for the adults throwing the party- namely me- to sit down during this blissful intermission and snag a piece of cake for themselves, as re-hydrate before the chaos re-ensued after just a short hour. The kids didn't even seem to notice the sudden absence of their caregivers.
Now that everyone was properly worn out, wearing the afterglow of organized calorie-burning, preschool-style,it was time for the girl of the day to find out what sweet loot she acquired.
Quite frankly, she made out like a bandit.
Toys
Shoes
Games
Clothes
After all that, I'm seriously considering skipping Christmas this year. Seriously- where am I supposed to put all this fresh loot? Oh yea...
Yea, I still have to clean that...
After the bulk of the guests left, there a small, intimate group left to open, sort, and more importantly, test the new toys before they made it to their ultimate home- seen above.
A team of highly trained Russian circus bears were strapped with the task of assembling all toys that required assembly "by an adult" And by circus bears, I of course mean my ever patient and kid-at-heart fiancée Tim.
God love him, despite his well-known anxiety issues, he never once excused himself from the party, never walked outside under the guise of "we need more ice" or anything of the sort. Seriously, this guy deserves a medal.
Once all the toys were accounted for, Sydney asked that a few of her closest girlfriends stay to "break in" her new toys. I cautiously agreed, and was pleasantly surprised when the group remained calm, cool and collected for 2 hours after the party was to have ceased.
Overall, it was a wonderful day for my wonderful little girl. I put in alot of work putting this shin-dig together, and it was all worth it for the look of absolute wonder that was plastered on my daughter's face all day.
Now, to get planning for next years party.....
Little help here...?
Very excellent depiction of the day! You're witty humor captured the days events beautifully! It really was a GREAT party, the kids had a BLAST and I think the parents were equally entertained, by the sheer happiness & silliness of the children if nothing else, my compliments to the pregnant Sam for an unforgettable 5th B-Day for my ever-loving niece Sydney. Koodos to you Momma!
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