Three party weekend

We went to 3 birthday parties this weekend. I think that's a first or at most, a second. The parties also varied in style and gave me an idea of the kind of party I like, if I ever were to give the boys a proper birthday party.

Party 1 - Party at home with a few families. Hostess wanted to make sure the kids don't go bonkers, especially in their smaller house, so she had a craft idea. I loved this, mostly because I got to make Eli's craft and had a good time chatting with other moms who made the craft for their babies. Tobey made a good one too. Lunch was simple, Stuft Pizza and some appetizers. Cupcakes with decorate your own cupcakes although all the toddlers opted for the already frosted ones right under their noses. All's well because the bald undecorated ones were used on younger kids. Ended with Cold Stone ice cream, what could be better? Got a chance to talk to the other parents as everything was quite contained to one space. It was a homey party where everyone knew everyone else.

Party 2 - Party at home with a lot of people (it was the baby's 1st birthday). Although we've met all these people before, we never see them except at this friend's parties and we kind of get the feeling groups of people all know each other (family, Vietnamese crowd) and so we don't really get to talk to anyone. They always have an interesting spread of food, American mixed with Vietnamese. We ended up going in shifts because, with a starting time of 2:30, one of our kids is guaranteed to be napping at that time. So Eli and I went first and then tag teamed with Tom and Tobey when Tobey woke up and it was time for Eli's nap. No activities for kids in particular although the older and braver ones were in the sunny (but still cold) backyard. Eli and I stayed in and watched football set to Brazilian jazz party music.

Party 3 - Large party at Pump It Up. Tobey and Eli had tons of fun at this jumpy house heaven. Tom, I might add, had a lot of fun too. We only knew one other mom there (besides the hosting family) but we kind of didn't notice because people were friendly or we were all bouncing around and chasing after kids. The party was super well organized which is the plus size of having a party at a place like this. We walked into the party room and all the tables were set, a slice of pizza and cup of juice at each place. Not more than 20 minutes later, cake was cut and served and before long, party was done. Eli made a bit of a mess and other kids spilled juice but the beauty of it all? No clean up! I think our friends probably had to pay a significant amount for rental and food but given the fun and ease factor, it can be easily argued that it is worth it.

I could see having a Party 3 kind of party for a big birthday, like maybe Tobey's 5th? We've been invited to so many friends' parties but since we don't have big ones ourselves, we don't always get to reciprocate the invitation. But I can't do a Party 3 every year. I'm working my way up to Party 1 style where it's more than just food and talk. Minette threw Cedric a really fun 3 year old party with story time and a couple games, getting dads involved too. I'd have to channel my teacherly organizational skills and enthusiasm to get to that point. Since I didn't have those kinds of birthday parties myself growing up, I don't quite know how to throw one nor the value of being the birthday boy/girl at one. But I think I'd like to lavish a fun "you're the guest of honor" kind of party for my kids. Tobey understands birthday parties quite well but has never asked for one or been aware of his right to have one. I don't think that will last much longer.