A Very Un-Pinterest Worthy Birthday Party

I have a confession.  I forgot my son’s birthday.  Not totally-it-came-and-passed forgot. But, uh-oh-it’s-next-week forgot.

Here’s how it happened:  Earlier this year in my flurry of Pinterest excitement I picked a theme for both of my boy’s birthdays.  The one-year-old would have a Dr. Seuss (Thing 2 is turning 1) birthday party.  And Graham, who’s birthday is July 1st was going to have a beach themed party.  I scoured Pinterest, pinning party-worthy crafts, treats, food, decorations, invitations, outfits, and you name it.

When it came to throwing Will’s Dr. Seuss party, I went into into full-on-crazy-lady-who-will-do-anything-to-pull-off-this-birthday mode.  I shopped, borrowed, cooked, crafted (and I don’t like to craft) all to pull of this birthday… for a ONE YEAR OLD.   Granted when it was all put together, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.  And, everyone had fun. But dude.  It took a lot of work, and money, and time.

So, when it came to putting together the Beach Birthday Party for my oldest son Graham, I went into procrastination mode.  I’m too busy, too cheap, too tired and too un-crafty to do a Pin-worthy party again just three months later.  I let time pass and was totally shocked when I realized… my son’s birthday was less than seven days away… and no party was in the works.  Big oops!

I decided I’d do it the “old fashioned way.”  I emailed a few friends, checked the weather forecast and decided to take my chances with throwing the party at a local lake with a park.  (Little perk of planning way late: you can check the weather!!!)  I picked up the frozen PB&J sandwiches for the kids (please don’t groan or send hate mail… those things are soooo convenient for big groups of kids).  Oh, and of course served the most convenient, fresh and inexpensive healthy side… organic Chiquita bananas!*

Adults got Bojangle’s Fried Chicken and Fixin’s.  If you don’t live in the South, I’m sorry that you don’t know about Bojangles.  It’s awesome, but I’m sure whatever fried chicken joint you have near you will more than suffice.  There were no crafts, but I did have some beach games leftover from a recent beach trip.  And there was the lake, a playground, and sand.  That was entertainment enough.

And you know what the kids got for a party favor? A big ol’ bag of Goldfish.  Yep, plain and simple.  It was the EASIEST party I’ve ever hosted for 27 people.  It was the CHEAPEST party I’d ever hosted for 27 people.  Sadly, it was also the HOTTEST party I’d ever hosted.  When I was checking for rain, I shoulda checked for heat… it was 102 degrees.  Holy heck!

I think everyone had fun at both parties that I hosted for my boys this year.  I had a lot more fun at the un-Pinterest birthday though.  And, shouldn’t that count for something?  If you love crafting, hosting themed parties and showcasing your entertaining talent, go for it.  But, when it comes to birthday parties and toddlers, I think I’m gonna opt for the un-Pinterest party from here on out.

What do you think? Do you keep it simple or are you the hostess with the mostest?

*Had I been in Pinterest mode I woulda stuck a skewer in them and attached a sail to make Chiquita banana boats, but I was doing this un-Pinterest style.