Lessons Learned

While Simon's birthday is coming up this weekend, we held his party this past weekend because the wading pool that we wanted to use will be closed on the 26th. I will share pictures and details later, but for now, here are some lessons I learned this past weekend about third birthdays.

1. Don’t bother buying actual cupcakes, just frost some styrofoam or something. It’ll save money and the birthday child will never know the difference, since apparently cake is akin to spinach when there is frosting to be consumed.
2. Wait until after his nap to tell him that it's time for his party. While it might seem fun to build up the excitement, all that will do is make him pop out of his room 15 times within the first 5 minutes claiming he napped and it was “party time!”
3. There’s no point in asking party guests not to bring gifts. 80% of them will anyway and then you will be faced with the awkward, slightly embarrassed looks from the other 20% even though they are the ones who followed the rules.
4. He’s not going to eat any food of any nutritional value on his birthday. Just stuff a vitamin in his mouth between bites of frosting and call it good.
5. Whatever you do, don’t let the Elmo balloon fly out of the trunk of the car in front of your soon-to-be three year old. It will trigger a screaming fit of unrivaled proportions.