Lots of Kids and Lots of Presents

After spending much of the afternoon reading the coverage of the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 in a local newspaper, I wondered if it was appropriate to complete a post on a five year-old's birthday party. Our hearts go out to those grieving lost loved ones, and we hope we may be truly grateful for the sacrifice of so many on that day.

Several months ago, James confided in me that when he turned five he wanted a birthday party with "lots of kids . . . and LOTS of presents!" I must confess that my heart sank a bit at this request, simply because I could not think of where we would find the kids for the kind of party he envisioned. Lots of presents are easy enough to produce, but children his age were a different story. At that point he had yet to make more than a single friend his age. I did think that I could probably twist the arms of some of our older children's friends, and ceased to worry overmuch.

As it turned out we had twelve four and five year olds at his party. We did not end up having to go out into the alleyways and byways seeking them, but rather invited the four preschoolers who attend his sports class as well as several children from his preschool and two we knew from homeschooling circles. They all seemed delighted with the invitation, and having breathed a sigh of relief over procuring party goers, I turned my attention to the details of the event itself.

Planning parties does not fall into my list of favorite activities. The majority of our kids' parties have been held in our home, and while most have been fairly successful, at least from the viewpoint of our own kids, I have lost my share of sleep worrying over how they will turn out. This time I decided to enlist the help of James's sports teacher, a wonderfully talented and enthusiastic woman who knows just how to explain to a four year-old what to do with a ball, whether that ball be a football, soccer ball, basketball, or tennis ball. Her class is always a highlight of the week for James, so we were most happy when it worked out for her to come to our party. Not only did she run the games, she helped me sort out a venue, suggested exactly where to place the tables for the food, and had ideas for what food to serve. These things are most helpful when you are planning a party on the other side of the world.

James played hard, ran fast, kicked high, and had the time of his life. The parents watching from the sidelines were all thrilled that that their children were getting such a workout.

I was grateful for the help of my older children as well as two of their friends. Even so, I could have used two of myself throughout the two hours we had the hall and gymnasium rented.

Party food included fairy bread (white bread spread with butter and covered with sprinkles), popcorn, potato chips, sausage rolls and miniature meat pies. I managed to leave the watermelon at home in the fridge, but that was forgotten when the cake came out.

The grown ups had their own little corner for food.

It will be clear that James's wish for lots of presents was fulfilled. The only trouble we have had is keeping Cameron and Sophie from assembling all of the building sets for James. He didn't seem to mind, but I was put out to discover they had already put together more than half by breakfast time this morning.

The party goers went home with a ball of their own and a small treat bag including dum dum lollipops that I brought back from the U.S. Ross and I went home to collapse, exhausted but pleased that all had gone well.

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Happy Birthday James! I definitely hear you Christie regarding stressing over birthday parties. I always try to get the kids to agree to a "family event" (waterpark, amusement park etc...) instead of a kids party because it IS a lot of work!

That soccer cake is the cutest cake I've ever seen!

Posted by: Nikki | 09/12/2011 at 05:56 AM