Party Time, Excellent!

Today was Big Sister Bear's 5th birthday party. We had it at a local indoor play area that has huge jumpy castles, massive inflatable slides, and a truly ginormous inflatable obstacle course consisting of walls to climb over ending with another huge slide. Big Sister Bear was completely beside herself with excitement. We had a great turnout with friends from Big Sister Bear's preschool, playgroup and family friends. Since everyone invited were good friends, Big Sister Bear had not a moments hesitation in running around like a banshee.

The kids were running around like maniacs, climbing, jumping, sliding, and generally having a great time. I think the company must have polished up the slides because the kids were rocketing down them like lightening! We did have a few crashes, but really not too many since the kids were really well behaved and careful.

Since it was a morning party, we had brunch snacks and cake of course! When the kids came into the party room for food after playing, they were all a little worn out. For a little while, while they got their food, it was totally quiet. Not what you'd expect for a room full of preschoolers! I hope all the parents got their own 'gift' of worn out kids when they got home...maybe even a nap!

Before the party, I prepared Big Sister Bear by running through the manners of a good party hostess. She did a wonderful job greeting the children as they arrived. When we opened gifts, she paused to read each card carefully before opening the gift. She was so meticulous about this that I eventually had to hurry her along since our rental time of the room was nearing the end. She conscientiously thanked everyone for their gifts and thanked them for coming at the end of the party. I'm so proud of her!

While we were opening presents, I noticed that I had forgotten the goody bags! This is why I can't live without lists. Fortunately, we were so close to home that I asked Papa Bear to quickly run home and grab them. He made it back with time to spare. Yay, the day is saved! What on earth would I have done with 15 goody bags??? This year our goody bags followed the Under The Sea theme, and had cool Marine Tropical Fish stained glass coloring books, fish stickers, pencil, tattoos, erasers, and a fruit by the foot treat.

Small Bear and Brother Bear peacefully slept through the entire party in their stroller...the party just happened to be planned during their morning nap and they are still at that wonderful age where they can sleep just about anywhere.

This was the easiest and least stressful party I have ever planned. Who knows...maybe we'll go back again next year!