Birthday parties

Enzian hitting the pinata.

Ludwig's turn at the pinata.

Today, the twins were invited to two birthday parties. It was a great day for them - big indoor playground, games, dancing, cakes, candies, pinata, soccer match, balloons, magic show, goodie bags.

Sometimes I wonder why birthdays must be celebrated so elaborately for kids so young, even though we are also guilty of doing the same for our children. Peer pressure. Desire to make it the most memorable day for the birthday kid. Face factor. All plays a part.

However, in the past two years, we have scaled down the size and budget for the boys' parties, if there were at all. We want them to pick and choose their friends they really want to celebrate their birthdays with, not the whole class (for the sake of many more presents?). We attempt to help them understand the meaning of true happiness when the special occasion is celebrated with close friends. We also involve them in the planning of the party (like writing the invitation cards, decorating the place, brainstorming games to play, preparing food, packing goodie bags) so they get to experience that planning a party is not as simple as it looks, and therefore come to appreciate the work and efforts by the party organiser.

Bart's party is nearing. He asks humbly for a very small party at home. He already knows who he wants to invite, just three friends. He has also set the theme of the party. And we are going to bake cookies based on this theme. He is counting down everyday...

Here, while Ludwig smiled happily waiting for his turn, I happened to take a candid shot of Enzian sneezing!