Over the Hedge Party

Last Saturday we had a friend Birthday party for Hunter. The batteries in my camera died so I don’t have any pictures. He invited his six closest friends to see “Over the Hedge.” We got a babysitter for the two little girls and the rest of us went to the movie theater too. I thought it almost was going to turn out a tragedy because I got in the car and it wouldn’t start. I had five kids in the van and Rob had three the the Galant and I’m thinking – oh no, please start. I gave it four tries and the fourth one it finally started. Thank goodness. We all swarmed the theater and the kids had a great time eating popcorn and candy bars as they watched the show. Of course I smuggled the candy bars in and I would have done the popcorn too if I could! The movie was actually pretty good, not quite as good as Dreamworks big success, Shrek, but the kids were all well behaved and we had a great time. Afterwards we drove back to the house for a pinata and cupcakes. On the way home I called Rob who was following behind me on my cell and told him I had no electricity! The car was running, but the AC didn’t work, the window wouldn’t roll down, and no radio or clock. So weird. (After the party Rob looked at it and apparently the key was stuck in the ignition in the farthest position. Now we have to jiggle the key to get it to click down to the regular spot. I don’t want to buy an new car, please don’t die.) The pinata was a big hit, no pun intended. It was one of those pull-the-ribbons kind, my favorite. We had cupcakes, opened presents and that was it. The easiest birthday party ever! It was perfect for the stage of life I’m in right now, but it was the first time I didn’t make a cake for my kid’s birthday. Kind of sad for me, but there will be lots of other chances. Thank goodness for all of the “Over the Hedge” corporate tie-ins at the party store! Do kids in your areas have regular back yard birthday parties? We have hardly any here, and if they have them at home they get a magician or bounce house or something. Then there are the Build-a-bear, Libby Lu, Bowling, Chuck E Cheese parties too. It is enough to make a parent feel guilty about a simple party at home. Are those days over, or is it just here?