Since we were in Austria for his actual birthday, I was hoping he would forget about the whole birthday bash and we could just relax the last two weeks before school started. But asking a 5 year old to forget about something, is kind of like asking a 39 year old to remember something. It just isn't going to happen. So, we discussed a theme, wrote out a list of invitees, and then I made up the invitations. It was very last minute. The party was on Saturday, and I was calling parents on Monday and Tuesday asking them to look for the invitation in the mail. I don't like to leave it that late, but you know, I was hoping it wouldn't happen at all…
Anyway, it was a Batman theme, and we told the kids to wear their favorite superhero costume to the party, if they wanted. We ended up with three Spidermans, (including the birthday boy), two Batmans, and a couple who wanted to stay in their "secret identity" clothes. The party was hosted by yours truly, Mrs. Incredible. (No tights, just a t-shirt) All the other kids really helped me get everything ready for the party.
Nicholas and Amelia designed and set up the "Superhero Obstacle Course", and Sarah and Sophie hung up the pictures of the bad guys outside on the fence, all ready to be shot at with water guns. It was gorgeous weather, so I was glad we had planned a water game for outside. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun, and there were only two incidents of tears. One involving a crash in the obstacle course, and one involving the absence of a twin brother. (He was sick and couldn't come, so his twin had to come alone. The saddest thing ever was Julie driving away with a sick boy crying out the window that he wanted to stay.)
My mom even helped me make the cake, albeit long distance. I must have called her at least three times about the royal icing Batman I made to put on the cake. Of course, should have called her BEFORE I put it on the cake the night before. There is such a thing as preparing too far in advance when it comes to royal icing. It turned kind of soft and then cracked. :( But Noah thought it was awesome, and everyone agreed that it actually looked like Batman, so bonus points for me.
Everyone had a great time, most importantly, the birthday boy loved it. In the end, I was glad we did it for him. Kids that small are so easy to please, a little bit of effort is rewarded ten-fold. Happy Fifth Birthday, Noah!
