Party, Party, Party

With Elias' birthday only a little more than a month away, the planning for his party has to start soon. Since last September, Elias and I have been to 4 birthday parties for his classmates at school.

Miles' birthday was at the Botanical Children's Garden. We decorated pots, got soil and seeds for planting, played in the stream and ate lunch out in nature.

Sienna's birthday was at Jungle Quest. This is a great place for kids 5 and up, with a climbing wall, zip lines, rope bridges, the works. Elias was scared out of his mind. There was a playing area that didn't require "gear", but it was almost pitch black, so just getting the kids to go in was a challenge. There were two small slides and a rope bridge to cross...that was about it. Near the end of the playing time, some of Elias' younger friends from school decided to try on a harness and ride on the zip line. Elias wanted to go too. He got on his harness, waited in a very long line, but then decided he wasn't so sure he wanted to go (some of his other friends had already backed out). I was up on the platform with him, counted down and pushed him off (yes, I am THAT Mom). Needless to say, he didn't go again.

One of Elias' Best Friends, Joey at Jungle Quest

Lucias celebrated his birthday at the Denver Firefighter's Museum. Last year Dylan had his birthday party there. The kids get to wear firefighter gear, play on a fire engine and slide down a mini fireman's pole. I think Elias enjoyed it, but I don't find the place all that great, and it is really, really hot. For the next party there, Matt can experience the joys.

Elias as a Fireman

The best party (at least for me) was Isabella's. The magician Ann Lincoln came to Isabella's Dad's loft downtown. She did face painting while all the kids arrived. Then she put on a show that I thought was fantastic. She was silly with juggling, losing a wooden bunny and peanuts. She had a real bunny (that the kids got to pet at the end) and a bird. Everyone left with a balloon animal. While I was cracking up during the show, Elias (the only boy at the party) was visibly upset. I think he was worried that Ann was really struggling, and he felt bad for her. He didn't realize it was supposed to be funny. Such a sensitive soul.

Elias as a clown

What to do for Elias' 4th birthday party? A cooking party, amusement park, craft party, bounce house...the options are endless. Better start cracking.