The Hurricane threw a beach party for her 4th birthday. She had originally requested a princess theme but after attending three consecutive princess parties in a row, the only pink I wanted to ingest was Pepto Bismal.
And model mother that I am, I gently led her to believe that a beach party was really what she wanted instead.
Unfortunately her father is not as easily manipulated coaxed.
Over the past four years, I have grown wiser. The first two years of her life, I invited every friend we have ever had. Hosting such a crowd was a veritable nightmare. Last year, we had an intimate family dinner at Casa Bonita (though I don’t know if having a dinner at a gaudy tower the size of a stadium could be considered intimate).
This year? She invited seven friends (the perfect size) and all the festivities went splendidly. When I asked her what the highlight of her party was, I was admittedly hoping for a pat on the back for my superior party-planning skills.
Was it receiving a lifetime supply of princess presents?
Nope.
We’re getting closer.
For next year’s party? Maybe we’ll throw in the Heimlich Maneuver just to shake things up.
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. 