a compromise required

[Irene]

Hi ya everyone,
My son is turning 10 years old on his birthday in May. I am leaving for a trip to Mexico the week after. Up til now I have allowed all my kids to invite as many kids as they are old to thier birthday parties. I wasn't planning on that for this year.
I also don't want to have to think about a big -to -do for his birthday. He has told me already that he wants to invite 5 girls and 5 boys to his party so he has expectations. Turning 10 is a milestone for him, I know, but I would like to have ideas so that I can compromise between what he wants-the fact that I won't be in a party preparing mode then- and the fact that it is a milestone year for him.
Thank you in advance for all your help,
Ciao for now,
Irene

[Crafty Amanda]

Hi Irene

You didn't mention if cost was a factor or not, but have you considered doing an out of the home party? Like a bowling party, or the video arcade place, maybe a movie??

[Irene]

HI ya Amanda,
No I didn't mention if money was a consideration so I will now.............LOL yes it is . But these are good ideas...in the end I will be taking everything into consideration and what is most worth it to me.

I want it to be a special day for him, I don't want to be so caught up in it that I won't be able to concentrate on my upcoming trip and thirdly I don't want to spend a lot so that it takes a dent out of our trip money;-) .
Ciao for now,
Irene

[otheila]

Dd usually has 15 kids at her b-day parties and I do at home parties for her. They cost 50- 70 dollars minus dd gifts.
We have treasure hunt, play hot potato, drop the potato in the bucket, duck duck goose, musical chairs, who can pop a balloon with thier butt first :p contest, simple crafts.
They eat hot dogs, cakes and chips. I make a punch from frozen juice and pop.
I have as many games as I have kids, each kid gets a prize that I had gotten from the dollar store. I also buy a large box of crayons, I split the crayons up so each child gets 6-7 each and a coloring book for each child to go home with. Maybe what we do gives some ideas for you.
We are going tomorrow to a party held at the fire station. A tour of the station and a fire lesson. We head back to their house for food and present time. Sounds fun can't wait to go

[Crafty Amanda]

Otheila, great ideas! Can I come to your party?? LOL!

Irene: You may want to check into the bowling alley. Chances are you can get bowling shoes, a couple of lanes, and be able to bring a cake all for just $4 or $5 a kid. I don't know for sure, but this would be a nice compromise for you as you wouldn't have to worry about cleaning up anything at home, nor would you need to do much planning, reducing the stress before your trip.

The fire station idea sounds pretty cool! That might be a bit stressful tho Do you have an indoor swimming pool anywhere nearby? That would be easy too. Just bring the cake and let them swim! Maybe even the local high school would let you? Not sure how your town is about that stuff ;-)

If I think of more ideas I'll come back!

[Irene]

Thanks so much Othelia and Amanda,

They all sound like great ideas I have done the party thing in the house many times before and it was fun but I am antisipating I won't be in the right mode Othelia because I am going to Mexico with my husband only days following. As a fellow Nova Scotian Othelia I'm sure you can understand how excited I am especially after the snow we just got. I am only guessing I will be even more excited as the time gets closer. Unfortunately, the party time will be closer then too

Amanda you reminded me about the pool idea. He did say awhile ago that he would like to have a pool party and yes our local pool does offer party plans. I will check into that one, thanks.

Ciao for now,
Irene ;-)

[otheila]

I'm not sure what part of NS your from but if it's handy how about a b-day party at Mcdonalds or Burger King, it's not too bad price wise. Go to one of the ones that has the indoor playgrounds. For about 10 kids be around $50.oo including cake and stuff. no clean up.