So this is what we do - Friend parties at age 4, 8, 12, and 16. All the other years it is family birthday time. I loved it when I heard it and I love it even more now. That is what we have done and it is a super plan. Some people think I am WAY too over the edge by not letting my kids have friend parties every year, but it works for us. We don't even have a big family party since no cousins or grandparents live close by. We love our own little family birthday time. I want my kids to learn that family is number one. We are sealed together for all time and eternity as a family and we should enjoy each other and find joy in each other's triumphs, including aging another year!
In the past we have always done something BIG as a family for the girls' birthdays. Kelsey has chosen to go miniature golfing for the past 2 years but this year she picked BUILD A BEAR.
So we went to BUILD A BEAR a few days after her birthday which just happened to be a SATURDAY and also happened to be VALENTINES DAY! Holy smokes! It was crazy at the Build a Bear we went to! We went to the mall and as soon as we turned the corner to the Build a Bear store there was a line. I am not joking, there was a line of around 20 people or so to pick their animal and get it stuffed. Matt and I looked at the line, at eachother, and took a deep breath and stood in line with the rest of Utah County on Valentine's Day.
Kelsey picked a cute rabbit and Kendal picked a cute kitty. It was pretty fun to see them so excited! After we stood in line to get their animals stuffed, we got to pick out the clothes. Kelsey picked a glittery, sequiny, peace sign shirt and pants, and to top off the look, high heels. Kendal picked out a pink HELLO KITTY outfit for her kitty and we also opted for the HELLO KITTY panties, hoping it would sink in. (By the way, she changed her diaper by herself again today! What are we going to do?!)
They have LOVED their Build a Bear animals . It is pretty cute to see them both find their animals when it is bedtime, and when they wake up in the morning, they still have them in their arms.
I was trying to get a picture of them with their new treasures, but Kendal was so excited about the Dora library book it didn't work so great. Plus, she wanted to look at the camera and see herself and "sis" so she wasn't all too cooperative. Anyway, we had a great day as a family celebrating Kelsey's birthday at Build a Bear Workshop. If you think I am an onery mom for our birthday tradition, don't tell me. I don't want to hear it. My girls love it and so do Matt and I. But, Kelsey is very excited for her 8th birthday already. It will be a BIG one!
11 comments:
Build a Bear is pretty much my favorite. I have one bear, and she has 3 pairs of shoes, and 2 pairs of pjs and to outfits...
so what if i'm 22....
Don't worry, April is 12 and she has only had 1 or 2 friend parties. Judd has had one and he's almost 10. Larry and Ayden a big fat 0. I don't have the Patience let alone the time. We are lucky to get the big family parties done without some one killing over (me)! So more power to ya!
Each family makes their own traditions,and what works for them.
I think its a fun idea.
And with Marion and Buttons as parents,,,well,,,,we thrive on being a bit different,,,so i am glad you carried on that tradition!!
I think its a great idea. We had Taylors 5th bday party at my house when Jared and I were first dating. It was a friend/family party! Way too many people! Everyone could tell that I was about to explode.
Since then we have just had a few friends over, but usually all the neighbor kids show up cause they can't pass up a pool and slip n slide.
You are a wonderful mother and your kids show that. keep on doin' what you are doin'
For my kids they get just the family party with cake and icecream. I don't even buy a premade cake. I might buy the cake toppers for them but that's it. Sean and Jay I think are the only ones that have had any friend parties. But thats because it's warm weather. We haven't done one for those two in a few years. If I could afford to I'd do what your going to do.
I think I love your birthday idea. Especially since Tyler's birthday is coming up and I am really not wanting to do a party for a bunch of six yr old crazy boys. Last year just about killed me. Abby's little 4 yr old party this year was so fun. We'll see if I can hold up!
I totally agree with you on the kid birthday thing. People think that I am mean too. But that is what I am a Mom-Mean Ole Mom. It is too much work and everyday at our house is a party-right? It's loud enough anyway!
I love the idea,especially teaching your kids the importance of family comes first. I LOVE build a bear. Susan is saving up her money (we're trying to teach the value of chores,savings, etc) to make a build a bear. (I almost gave in when we were at the mall but since it was not a special occasion, her room was a mess, and she had a corner full of toys I decided to post-pone the bear idea. Maybe we'll steal your idea and go for her birthday- she'll love it and I won't feel so guilty about giving in to the activity (she can use her money for an outfit right). Anyways great idea it sounds like it was a blast.
That 4,8,12,16 thing is a great idea. :) Family is always first!
We do 5,8,12,16 & 18 for friends party, and then they can invited one friend to their family party. It has worked out great so far. I love build a bear too. So fun!
Isn't great that we all can decide for ourselves what works. With 6 children we have decided friend parties are only at 8, 12 and 16 (once they are that old I have decided friends will be over a lot. This has worked willfor us and the kids look forward fro years for these birthdays!
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