Fast Approaching 4…Still Not a Pinterest Mom

A & L, my girl/boy twins are fast approaching age 4. I’m super excited about this because as time progresses, communication (both ways) is becoming easier.  They sort of understand me, and I sort of understand them. Somehow though when it comes to daddy they haven’t made the leap into communicating effectively. Mom or Dad as disciplinarian and alpha role, a topic for another time.

Their birthday is in 22 days and although I began making a list of party ideas in the summer, I have yet to decide what to do. Until today. I’m a teacher, so we have no business spending more than a few hundred on a party. I thought about the zoo as an option. They have a decent price (about $240 for members for 10 people and everything is included, even cupcakes). But once you count the 4 of us, my parents, his family, now we are at 8 people. So basically they could invite one friend and one parent with the friend. Sure, I could pay $25 more per person, but yikes.  I just can’t.  At least not while I spend $450 a week on daycare. Another topic for another time. 

Basically, most places include adults in the pricing factor. There is one local business, an indoor place space, that for the same price doesn’t include adults into the numbers, but it doesn’t include the decorations and cupcakes like the zoo did.  I thought about this option. Both kids liked it. But, then I thought about how people are so busy. What if I pay close to $300 for a play space for two hours and no one can go? Mostly this stems from me being too frugal. I didn’t grow up with money to waste, so I try to be careful and weigh if something is a need or a want.

Plus, I feel like kids’ parties are so overcome in the 2000s.  Backyard parties were where it was at when I was little. Granted, I did have a party at Chuck E Cheese once, and at Roller Palace too. My favorites were always the ones at home.  Our last three parties for A&L have been at home. The first one was supposed to be at a park, but the community double booked the facility and bumped us. So began our home party streak.

I also feel like newly turned 4 year olds are sort of still 3 year olds, and so they can’t do as much as older kids. Next year when they turn 5 I would really like to have their party somewhere. Daycare cost will be down because they will be in Pre-K, so it’ll be easier to swing an extra cost.

Our theme this year will be super heroes. This lets him have his Spider-Man theme and she can have her Super Girl theme. Last year we had a pirate theme. Year two was Sesame Street, and year one was rainbow themed. As of today, we are having a pool party at my parent’s house. We will find or create some outdoor games and activities. I love coming up with cute ideas, but my follow through isn’t the best. What are your go to easy ideas for Super Hero theme? I’ll check out Pinterest, but this mommy is like a level 4 creativity on a 1 to 10 scale.

Where did you or will you have your toddler’s birthday party this year? What are your thoughts on going all out on toddler birthdays? Where are my at home birthday mamas at?

Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Peace & Love,

KB