Welcome to My World: Birthday's and Fun Parties

Once upon a time you could have a birthday party with you friends and have cake and ice cream and call it a day. Of course as I've gotten older I realize that my parents quite possibly went through the same routine as I have. In fact I think that they may have went through the same tortuous waiting and planning, worrying that their sweet little girl wouldn't have a happy birthday. This is something that I believe that all parents go through. When I was a kid I didn't realize how everything behind the scenes worked. See me ----------------------------------->
Aren't I cute? First I must point out, yes Mini looks like me except that I have darker hair. The smile is still the same. I also must point out that that is a Strawberry Shortcake cake sadly she is older then what must people believe. Again not the point. That was what I would have believed one of the best parties. We had a pool in the backyard it was summer it was great. Now as an adult I have realized that my child-like definition of simple may be way off. Being a parent can be tough. Being a parent on a budget...Well I have even more respect for mine. I always say that pulling off a great party is like performing Magic. We worry until the day of and then we are able to take a deep breath of relief when we realize that once again we are their hero's or shero's of our childs eyes and then we move onto the "how do we top this"
Bella's 1st birthday was at home. She overstuffed on cake but had a good time. Her 2nd birthday we celebrated at an indoor bounce house it was also Easter so she was an Easter baby and she had so much fun.When she turned 3 I think she was pretty low key cause strangely none of us can actually remember what we did lol. Her 4th birthday was spent once again home were we rented a bounce house and she again had fun. on these parties were not that expensive I think that the most I had spent by this time was about $200 all total on a party for fun.

Her 5th birthday was Chuck E Cheese my amazing surprise that it was a little more expensive this year. Couldn't believe that people would charge you for the happiness of your children. She did have fun which is always a good thing. When she turned 6 I had threaten Roo that he had to be home for her birthday since he was working California at the time. Again saved some money and enjoyed her party at home. When she turned 7, her sister had just passed and we really wanted to keep it low key. I didn't think I could handle all the strain and pressure on the party thing so thankfully my beautiful little Mini chose to spend it at Medieval Times, we had a great time. It was nice just having the family around. I was great full that she decided that we could keep it just us, I mean could you image the price tag on that one? Last year she turned 8 and I wanted to make up for the previous year so we once gain let her pick her venture. Once again the money spent was actually not that bad. Mini wanted to bowling and play games. What was the perfect place? Shenaniganz, she had an awesome time and we were once again the coolest parents ever. But once again I ran into a small problem. Now I would have to top this some way some how. I always ask Mini to decide what she wanted to do and she did not disappoint. She wanted to have a Spa Party....

Now many parents wonder why I would be willing to let my child to choose her theme. Well because it is her birthday and she gets to choose. Then of course I am struck with a small issue she not only wants a spa party but she wants these girls to spend the night. Now what to do....I won't use my own home (not getting into that) I don't want to use my parent's home cause that's gonna be a lot of mess...hmmm what to do. Then it hit me, I told Mini that I would agree to her party but there would be stipulations. I would agree to this slumber party and will hold said slumber party at the local hotel but she would have to scale down her list. Mini was agreeable and we began to plan. For this party I would need a plan Needed a cool cake, needed some cool goodies and then needed something other stuff to do. The cake was done by Kimberly and Loren's Sweet Treats https://www.facebook.com/LorensSweetTreats These ladies did a wonderful job and the birthday girl was so happy. The case was vanilla (I know you may think it's boring but it was her choice) The case was delicious and it was beautiful. Next were the cookies that they made the girls got a kick out of those. Since the whole thing was "No Boys Allowed" her daddy made two signs for the hotel room that welcomed all that came by. The take home goodies? A robe with their names,flip flops, drinking glasses,hand towels (with princesses on them) homemade soap and night masks oh and some lotions. The lotions were going to be homemade to be honest I ran out of time and energy. I refuse to go into price on this one but I'll say that it was way more when all was said and done. The girls arrived to music. Got to test their robes then it was time to begin. It was facials, pedicures,and tattoos. Thanks to the awesomeness of her BFF's mom (we will call her "Photo-Mom" as I have not gotten permission to let her name out.) She assisted in everything. She was greatness and really made me realize that even though I had the general idea planned and of course the sweets I was sooo not ready for the next phase. Entertaining these sweet girls. She helped with getting them

to dance and played some egg hunting games. We took random pictures then to the park to play and some icecream before coming back and settling in for the Princess Bride and bed time. Once again my sweet little girl told me I was the best mommy ever. Through all of my fretting and of course money spending my little girl had a great time. The girls wake up for breakfast and more fun while they get to watch Frozen. Now as I tell you this I forget to mention that I am so tired. My body is sore and I have made a startling discovery I am not as young as I used to be and sadly I don't think I will be moving in the very near future. Oh and not only did Mini have her big day but one of her besties one of the girls at the party, (yea) is also having a party and it was done on the very next day. So it was off to home for some napping then it was Roo's turn to be the awesome parent. As I literally feel like my legs are going to fall off Roo said he would take one and go to the next party. So there was man taking one for the team. lol, I know it sounds funny but I haven't even told why I say he took the bullet as far as dads are concerned. That's right folks. My man attended an all girl party to the glamours and fabulous SWWET & SASSY. Now that she has had all this fun Mini is home not feeling well.. My sweet little Mini had a little to much sugar and of course the weather changing so she is home not feeling to well. Oh well I would say that it was pretty much worth it in her eyes. So until next year's great birthday debate.