High Five for Birthdays!

As I've mentioned several times this week, today is my 31st birthday!  To celebrate, today's post will be my 5 favorite birthday parties from years past.  It'll be a nice stroll down memory lane and maybe it'll give some of you ideas for your kids birthday parties, or maybe even your own!

1. McDonald's
                 When I was 4, my party was held at a local McDonald's.  It had a huge, inside play place that would blow away the play places they have now.  There were a bunch of things to climb in and on, all inspired by the different Micky D's characters.  They provided us with a cake that had Ronald on it, and of course a ton of french fries and chicken nuggets.  It actually makes me a little sad to reminisce about this one because I know how much the chain has changed and I don't think that a party like this would be possible any more.

2.  Going to a play
                When I was 7, may parents had a small party for me (me and 5 friends) and instead of going to a movie, which is very popular, we went to a play.  The local theater was putting on Mary Poppins, my favorite.  We got dressed up, drove over, saw they play, where they even brought me on stage during intermission, and then had pizza and cake back at our house.  It was so much fun and so much more memorable than going to a movie.

3.  Taking a class
                 When I was 10, we took a class at Michael's.  We learned how to make clay beads.  They even allowed us to bring in food and cake, so everything was in one place and my parents house didn't have to get messed up.  We had so much fun being crafty and there was no need for party favors since we made jewelry to take home.

4. Water Balloons
                   When I was 13, I was about to move to NJ and literally only had 2 weeks of summer with my friends in Ohio.  I didn't know what to do with my friends but it was darn hot out that year.  I had 4 friends over, we hung out in the basement for a little bit then headed outside to enjoy a water balloon fight.  That was it- bonding with girl friends, water balloon fight, some sandwiches, and a cake- we had the time of our lives.

5. Pool Party
                   When I was 17, I was blessed to be living in a house with a pool.  10 of my friends came over for a day of swimming and bbq.  When we finally dried off and I opened presents I had received a VHS of Spaceballs so we ended the evening with a movie viewing.  Simple but fun.  Sometimes I think people just try too hard and end up going over board.  Kids just want to have fun, they could care less about all the other bells and whistles.

What was your favorite birthday party?

As always, linking up with some fantastic women:

Lauren

The Northeast Bloggers

Calm, Healthy, Sexy
April