My Sister's Kids

by Pat
(Craig, Co USA)

Last week my nephew had a very traditional birthday party. He turned three, so was allowed three guests. The excitement started early in the day for him, as he helped decorate for the party that afternoon. As his guests arrived, they were given a paper tail and a party hat. As soon as they all arrived, they got to play "Pin the Tail on the Doggie".

The 'doggie' was a picture my sister had taken of his own dog and had blown up for the game. The tails were loaded with double-sided tape so no pins were actually involved.

When everyone had a turn (or three) at that game, they went outside to play Follow-the-Leader, with the birthday boy as leader, of course! They went all over the very large yard, weaving in and out of trees and jumping in the sandbox. Birthday Dad supervised this game, and steered them to acceptible places.

When they were all worn out, they came back in for present opening. This went very quickly and the birthday boy was showered with new toys and clothes. Little sis helped open and big brother 'tested' all the toys. The guests were all quite well-behaved.

You would think cake and ice cream would be next, but no... The highlight of all my Sister's kids' parties is always the Pinata! This party it was a tractor in the familiar green and black. They don't get a blindfold, as they are all very young. Birthday dad stepped in again and stood by ready to grab the stick if it was going in the wrong direction. The birthday child always gets first hit. They get three tries, and then it starts with the youngest, each taking 3 shots. The same boy always manages to break it, so we shuffle him to the end so everyone gets to hit it. Once he goes, the Pinata breaks and there is the mad scramble for the candy and toys inside.

Then and only then do they go into the dining room for the birthday song, cake and ice cream. After the singing and blowing out of the candles, everyone feasted on cake and ice cream, and then went home.

Word has it that 2 out of 3 of the guests were asleep before they made it home!