Hadley’s 7th birthday is on Wednesday. You know those moms who go over-the-top by over-planning their social event of the season everyone will rave about for years to come?
That is not me.
Don’t get me wrong: I love parties and between doing it personally and professionally for many years, I do a pretty good job. It’s just when it comes to children’s birthday parties, less is more.
A few years ago, a dear friend hired a professional party planner for her daughter’s birthday. The company did a marvelous job but guess what: the kids were 3 years old and could not have cared less. In the end–though I think most of us have good intentions–it’s our own needs that often get in the way of how the kids really want to celebrate.
Every year, I let my kids plan their theme around what they love best. For Hadley, it is her beloved Fat Kitty. For months, she has been formulating her games that will include a meowing contest, clean the kitty litter box (blindfolded with cotton balls & Tootsie roll poop) and musical chairs cat beds with the fun twist that the winner will actually be the first person out.
Fat Kitty ain’t exactly fast.
Most people would be thrilled to have a party in their honor but not him. Hadley declared he needed to be featured on her invitation and so we staged a photo shoot with various locations and costume changes.
Disclaimer: No animals were harmed in the making of this birthday card.
The same cannot be said for soon-to-be 7-year-old girls.
Maybe I should look into hiring a professional after all.
I'm a Canadian-born mom of two, former Denver Post columnist, family travel writer, editor of MileHighMamas.com and 9News contributor. Expert on all things Utah, Denver, family and travel. Lover of laughter and life. Happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin. 