Shared celebration

I admit that I procrastinated on this year's dual birthday party. The kids have so far shared the spotlight on their birthdays, having their party together, usually during the six days that separate the two dates. Because we took our family vacation in the first week of August, and because school started so early this year, I found it hard to commit to a date until we were less than two weeks away from Archer's birthday on the 19th.  Finally I agreed that this weekend was the best time, as long as the party was a slacker special with a minimum of organized activities and a maximum of kids dragging toys out of the closet and amusing themselves.

It's a challenge to make each child feel special on his or her own day when the celebration doesn't fall on either.  After we agreed that Archer could open a couple of presents after school, I asked Noel whether he could have some kind of special breakfast tomorrow to start his day off.  He looked at me blankly; neither of us had any idea what would constitute that kind of treat.  In a way we've conditioned our children to low expectations. When we do give them something special, they know it's an unusual occurrence, and often get inordinately excited about something that other children probably expect as a matter of course.

I'm glad I don't have to do a lot of prep for the party on Saturday.  Send Noel off to pick up balloons and a cake, throw a couple of colorful tablecloths over flat surfaces, toss sidewalk chalk onto the driveway, haul a few building sets into the living room, fire up the Wii.  On the other hand, you get a finite number -- and a distressingly small one, at that -- of chances to throw birthday parties for your kids.  I feel bad about missing an opportunity to make a memory that will really last.  Is there still time to arrange for a lifesize Pikachu to make an appearance?

Present presents

The kids had their joint birthday party at JumpZone this afternoon. It's the first birthday party I've had with the traditional bring-a-present setup, and in a way I'm sorry I capitulated to that paradigm. Everyone brought absolutely great stuff that delighted the kids. But once you set up that expectation, you can never go back. We're doomed to a deluge of toys every August. Oh, well -- it was a great ride with the book exchange parties while they lasted.

Meanwhile, bring on the loot!



I always freeze up when it's time to decide on a theme for the cake. Curious George is a perfectly wonderful children's book series and an above-average PBS animated series. But it's not like my kids have any special affinity for it over and above other themes. I guess it's time to start making homemade cakes so that candles and frosting carry the day rather than trademarked characters.

White cake with chocolate icing, by the way. I didn't get to have any because to my surprise and delight, the fifteen guests and two birthday children polished off the quarter sheet in no time.



Cady Gray was especially delighted to spend time with her friend Cora from St. Peter's Episcopal Preschool, whom she hadn't seen all summer. They're completely simpatico -- cutest couple around.



We squeezed both of them together into the Razorback-themed throne in their party room ...



... and set them to opening presents. Best Archer moment: the Price Is Right electronic game that his first grade teacher gave him. Can you say most appropriate present ever? Best Cady Gray moment: Pulling a spiral notebook out of a wonderful bag of art supplies that Cora gave her and yelling, "It's homework!"



Keep your eyes on those balloons, kids.

Legends of the Backyard Temple: A guided tour

1. Survey the temple with its many rooms and passageways.


2. You're looking for a pendant of life hidden somewhere inside this ancient Mayan ruin.


3. When Kirk Fogg gives the signal, enter the temple and choose your pathway.


4. The choices are yours, and yours alone!


5. Some rooms, like this Ancient Mayan Voting Booth, may contain pendants of life -- be sure to explore thoroughly!


6. Don't get stuck in the Quicksand Bog -- keep moving!



7. You may stop briefly to enjoy the scenic views along the way.


8. You've found the pendant in the Shrine of the Silver Monkey! All the doors of the temple are now open!


9. Crawl quickly through the Ledges and ...


10. ... Sprint for home!

Brought to you by Skechers ... it's the S!

Party accomplished

My fellow Americans, major party operations have ended.

We're going to space camp!

Party Hour Zero

7 furniture boxes
6 moving boxes
30 Mr. McGroovy's box rivets
2 rolls of duct tape
84 ancient Aztec symbols (should be Mayan, but you take what you can get)
24 guests
12 kids
2 birthdays
4 Temple team t-shirts

All party systems are go ... We are go for party.