Party... Sophia style
Yesterday was Sophia's birthday. We haven't been home on her birthday for a few years. this year she knew what she wanted and had some (easy)last minute requests. This spring she wanted to go to the childrens musuem. then she changed her mind to chucky e cheese (arcade) party like she saw on tv (the wonder of advertising). I told her I would not do a party there like on tv ($12/person for their lousy food and tokens). I would buy $5 tokens(~25) for everyone, which was the 8 kids on the block. That was fine with her. But half the kids were going to be out of town, so we invited friends from school too. At bedtime sat, she tells me not to be annoyed, but she would like the house decorated more for the party tommorrow.(how polite) She wants a sign saying Happy birthday Sophia and streamers on the porch. (how easy to please). So I designed a bunch of signs in different colors and taped them up on all the doors. I found the crepe paper and taped it up on the porch. Put fabric and decorated tablecloth over porch and stuff.
The day before, her good friend Tkai, 2 doors down, age 5, climbed our tree as usual. He fell down - and broke both bones his arm or wrist it turns out. They both desperately wanted him to come to the party and arcade. So we agreed, with supervision.
So I drove and got to friends without transportation. Picked up pizza, came home and the party started. 5 kids sophia's age, and Maddy 12, from next door who is Sophia's adopted big sister. One more arrived later. One with a broken arm, and one who needs reminders about interpersonal behaviour - like be carefull of the injured arm. They chased all the balloons around, checked out sophia's room - generally being rowdy and having fun. Then we had pizza, cupcakes, and opened presents.
Then we went to the arcade. Scott came along to drive kids and be there for Sophia. The school friends moms' came to watch their kids. I had coupons so we got a pile of tokens and doled them out slowly. after a long time (1hr 1/2?) of keeping track (more or less) of 4 kids, I told them we were out of tokens, so we were leaving (because I was tired out/bored). So we herded them
to the toy reward counter and home.
It is the first real kids party I have had and it went well, crazy as usual. Sophia had a great, double great birthday she told Scott at bedtime.
She went home, watched a movie, had more cupcakes, opened the box of presents from me. I cleaned out all the toys, etc that had been acquired and not given to her in the last year - lots of pc games, decorations, etc. She was thrilled with them. Even stacked the wrappings on a chair, and the presents on another by her self, since I was in the other room when she opened them.
Actually today I remember - there were 2 other events for me to go to in the evening after the party -but I was too worn out to remember them. Graduation party for my twin youngest cousins, and a public talk by a Lama from out of town. oh well, both groups knew we might not make it.
It is only once a year, didnt cost much and Sophia and friends had a great time.
I understand giving kids great parties, because I had boring ones like going to an apple orchard. I dont agree with spending Hundreds of dollars! a parenting magazine I read recently had 30 great party ideas - from musuems to inflatable rides, etc- but they were all over $100, several $2-400 - for one day or overnight!
Now back to our regular out of school schedule, and a 3 night sleepover for her at grandparents lake house outside Red Wing.
The day before, her good friend Tkai, 2 doors down, age 5, climbed our tree as usual. He fell down - and broke both bones his arm or wrist it turns out. They both desperately wanted him to come to the party and arcade. So we agreed, with supervision.
So I drove and got to friends without transportation. Picked up pizza, came home and the party started. 5 kids sophia's age, and Maddy 12, from next door who is Sophia's adopted big sister. One more arrived later. One with a broken arm, and one who needs reminders about interpersonal behaviour - like be carefull of the injured arm. They chased all the balloons around, checked out sophia's room - generally being rowdy and having fun. Then we had pizza, cupcakes, and opened presents.
Then we went to the arcade. Scott came along to drive kids and be there for Sophia. The school friends moms' came to watch their kids. I had coupons so we got a pile of tokens and doled them out slowly. after a long time (1hr 1/2?) of keeping track (more or less) of 4 kids, I told them we were out of tokens, so we were leaving (because I was tired out/bored). So we herded them
to the toy reward counter and home.
It is the first real kids party I have had and it went well, crazy as usual. Sophia had a great, double great birthday she told Scott at bedtime.
She went home, watched a movie, had more cupcakes, opened the box of presents from me. I cleaned out all the toys, etc that had been acquired and not given to her in the last year - lots of pc games, decorations, etc. She was thrilled with them. Even stacked the wrappings on a chair, and the presents on another by her self, since I was in the other room when she opened them.
Actually today I remember - there were 2 other events for me to go to in the evening after the party -but I was too worn out to remember them. Graduation party for my twin youngest cousins, and a public talk by a Lama from out of town. oh well, both groups knew we might not make it.
It is only once a year, didnt cost much and Sophia and friends had a great time.
I understand giving kids great parties, because I had boring ones like going to an apple orchard. I dont agree with spending Hundreds of dollars! a parenting magazine I read recently had 30 great party ideas - from musuems to inflatable rides, etc- but they were all over $100, several $2-400 - for one day or overnight!
Now back to our regular out of school schedule, and a 3 night sleepover for her at grandparents lake house outside Red Wing.