Birthday Party Glitches

Growing up, I have fond memories of the parties my mother used to throw me for my birthdays.  And to me, everything always seemed flawless.  But as a parent now, I realize that nothing is ever flawless and nothing goes as planned when kids are involved.  Haley's First birthday fell on Easter Weekend, so we couldn't have  a blow out of a party... Small and intimate at home. 

So this year, as Easter is at the end of the month, I planned a big party.  Inspired by Haley's love of Dora the explorer and her cousin Diego, I planned games and activities, favors and decorations.  The guest list seemed small with about 10 kids and another 16 or so adults.  But in my true fashion, I wanted to make it "perfect" and pleasing to everyone.  I set a menu for the kids and a separate on for the adults... of course if the adults wanted a jelly sandwich in the shape of a heart or dino, they were most certainly welcome.  I shopped at BJs last night to stock up on goldfish crackers, juice boxes, cookies and salad fixins.  I stayed up til 2am getting ready the favors for the adults and kids.  But alas, when I awoke today, I knew my perfect planning would be a waste.

For at 8am this morning, Evan had a fever of over 102 and threw up.  And so it began.... the unraveling of my party planning.  I quickly made those 10 or so calls to let them know that Evan was sick but we were still holding the party.  Afterall, we had the food and we didn't have any other free weekends until June or so.. and maybe not even.  I was sad to tell the parents of Haley's guests (under the age of 12) that I don't think they should come b/c we don't know what it is nor can we cancel the party due to lack of availability for future weekends.  Did I give up?

So what started out as  a kids and family party became mainly a family party.  I was sad at first but then switched gears to get the house in set.... only to be delayed by the guest of honor as she wanted me to hold her most of the time.  And having to wait on Evan and check his vitals, slowed me down but didn't stop me.  The food was in the oven, the cake was on it's way home and the party was going to begin at noon.

I planned to do a Dora game, then lunch, then Pin the Tail on Swiper and then an obstacle course or egg hunt  (Map like adventure).  But no outdoor adventures were going to happen b/c not only was Evan sick but did I mention that Dan's in on antibiotics and not feeling great either.

So how did the party go?  The 12-2 party ran til about 4:00.. this means that no nap for the birthday girl.  She anxiously awaited the guests arrivals in her new birthday set.  I tried to get a good photo but was not successful.  Lunch was yummy and then the gifts.  As suspected she had a great variety of books, clothes, toys and a sleep bag??!!

Pin The Tail on Swiper:

We only had the three kids but they were anxiously to win a prize and then move onto the egg hunt.  So First went Evan, then Emma, Haley, Joel, Papa, Jocelyn, Jeanette (my 80+ yr old mother in law), Dan, Darryl, Aurie and myself.  I have to say it was GREAT fun.  We didn't have a clear winner but had enough prizes that every person who made it to the bored got a prize.

We ended up skipping the egg hunt until closer to Easter and maybe we'll more then 2 girls and a sick boy.

Its been a tiring day and I'm falling sleep.... but I suspect that my son, who we think has a stomach virus and currently sleeping next to a bucket, will have a rough night.  I just hope that he doesn't dirty any bedding if he throws up.   

Off to bed!!