Survived the Birthday Party

It kept me up a while in the night, though. I only had one game (the bingo game) to play if the weather was bad and the kids had to stay inside for two hours. I was worried the rain wouldn't stop, and I'd be trying to entertain a group of little kids with a deck of cards. I wondered if their moms would care if Mr. K taught them to play craps (I also have dice). I wondered if they were old enough to play Yahtzee.

After church we started setting up for J's party. I had purchased lots of party stuff at the dollar store (surprisingly cups, napkins, and plates were made in the U.S.A.) , so all Mr. K had to do was run out to buy a bag of ice and a bag of Doritos (which I had forgotten to get at the store last night).

We taped a pink plastic tablecloth to the table, and it was so long on one end, I cut it. We used the cut piece to cover the rolling kitchen island upon which we put the punch bowl and the vegetables. One of these days, I should learn better than to put out a vegetable tray for kids. They never eat any.

We all stuck butterfly stickers on the pink table cloth to decorate it. When the first guest arrived, I made the punch. I mixed a quart of raspberry sherbet with a 2-liter of Sprite. It was interesting but good. We used the bottom part of a thermos as an ice bucket.

I ordered pizza, and I had them cut it what they called "Chicago style." I told them I wanted appetizer squares small enough for kindergarteners. The kids liked the pizza.

Here is what I discovered about the food:
a) Only I and my friend Lori ate any vegetables--don't bother next time
b) Everyone ate pizza
c) Everyone at least tried the punch; most liked it--it was pink and pretty
d) Very few Doritos were eaten--I was surprised, and I think I'd skip chips next time.

We never did play Bingo, which was fine with me. It was a last resort thing if we ran out of stuff to do. We did play the game in the yard where the kids find the pennies after I scatter them around. Mostly the kids just played together in the yard.

I'm wondering if something like cheese straws might be something to try when N talks me into having a party for his birthday in the spring. I'll probably forget about it or come up with a reason it won't work.

One of the kids who came got J what I thought was a stuffed elephant for a present. Then he said it was a Webkinz. Hearing that was painful. I'm sure she will like it, though. I helped her set up an account at the Webkinz site, and N helped her play some games there. He's grounded from the computer until tomorrow, but I was glad to let him help her because I found the whole thing so painful.

Anyway, the party is over, and it went quite well. I am so relieved.