Summer’s birthday weekend was great…*YAWN*..but I’m so tired. I’ve gotten an average of 5 hours of sleep a night since Thursday (the longest being Sunday night of 6 hours).
Friday night highlights:
- dinner and Chuck E Cheese for Summer with my father-in-law and Netty
Saturday highlights:
- a trip to the Farmer’s Market at UCI
- Em’s birthday dinner at M-Grill
- party prepping with Wil till 3am
Sunday highlights:
- Summer’s birthday party, Greg’s act, water fountains, lots of pictures, and wonderful friends
- Mother’s Day dinner with Brian, Grace, Sue, and the kiddies
Planning and prepping for Summer’s party took a lot out of me (a carnival theme and junk food complete with hot dogs, hot links, sausages, nachos, cotton candy, kettle corn, and caramel apples). Luckily, her party was a success and I’m really relieved it’s over. *whew!*
Birthday parties have evolved since I was a kid. Growing up, we didn’t have much money nor did we have many parties…but when we did, we there were no games, prizes, or favors. We had some soda, chips, cake, and maybe ice cream. We’d invite some school friends, chinese-school friends, and some neighborhood friends over. We ran amuck (indoor and out)…and I remember it being SOOOO MUCH FUN! 
I feel like the caliber of planning/prepping for a birthday party, nowadays, is comparable to a small wedding…or at least in the area where we live. You have to consider themes, food, decorations, games/entertainment, and favors.
And kiddies are hard to impress too! Case in point - after our pinata got busted open, I watched in disbelief as the children picked through what they wanted and tossed back what they didn’t. 
Aren’t you supposed to grab as much as you can as fast as you can and stuff ‘em into your bag?!
In the end, Aric told Ashlyn to pick up everything left on the ground and put it in her bag, which she replied, “but I don’t want those.” *hrmph!* 
THANK YOU to all our friends who took time away from their mothers on Mother’s Day to celebrate with us. A special THANKS to Tony, Wing, Em, and Wil who came down from NorCal to be with us. *HUGS TO ALL!*
May 17th, 2006 at 10:35 am
yes, bday parties are quite a production these days. i secretly like planning parties, but it’s a big deal if manny’s family members are the guests. their family parties have had everything from snow to pony rides to dunk tanks. so naomi’s first bday was a huge one. next year, we’ll be here in our neighborhood, and it’ll be a much simpler party. manny doesn’t even want a theme, but i’m sure i’ll be able to sneak something a small one in.
i loved the photos - everyone looked like they were having a good time, and what a cute cake! happy birthday, summer!