[STL_Beth]

I need to get pics off my camera, but the party yesterday went well. I had 11 kids respond, then 2 drop out 2 days before and then 2 ended up sick the day of and then like 3 or so kids that didn't even show up at all, no call or text, so I still don't know what happened to them (so rude if you ask me), so in the end there was only like 5 or 6 kids, which was a great amount except that I had already bought cake and favors for more, but oh well.

I was a little worried about how they would all share or if they would get bored or what, but it went great. Never heard any fighting over toys, which is SHOCKING at 2 years old. Noah especially was really in his element. Loved talking and playing with all the other kids and adults. We just served finger foods and everyone loved those. Cupcakes were good, but messier than I had expected. People stayed for about 2 hours and we did do a "story time" which some of the kids really liked. Otherwise, we didn't really have any "activities" and just did free play time and that seemed to work out great. So glad I ended up having it. I think for #3 we will probably just do something with close family or go to someplace. I think for as much as I spent on decorations and food, etc, it would be easier to pay someone else that fee or more and have them clean up.

ETA: Ok I think this is a public link for facebook pics, let me know if it doesn't work.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...3&l=0b316676ec

[dmwinge]

It's a blessing in disguise that more kids didn't show up. Could you imagine 11 kids playing?! There would more than likely be a fight then. Glad he had a great time. I've never done a party at home, mainly because we wouldn't have roomfor even just family every place I've lived. We go out to eat with the older ones and I think we're going to do that for Alek's birthday this year since I don't have anything planned yet and it's on Sunday.

[STL_Beth]

Dayna - Really I agree with you. And if that's what it was supposed to be in the beginning, I would be fine. But it just really ticks me off that you RSVP to a party and then not show up and you don't even text call or anything to say why you couldn't come. It's just rude!!! I would never do that to someone. I understand emergencies happen and people get sick, but let someone at least know. Not only did we have extra food, cake and favors, but we sat around for like an hour thinking they would show up. I don't know how I'd ever do a party at a place that requires a # of people before the party.

[mamaperry]

You know I agree with doing it some where else next year. We spent $150 just on deco, plus $175 for moon bounce, etc. At the end I think we'll spend $500 YIKES! I have been calling and asking for sure how many ppl will be coming bc I don't want to buy to much food. I'm so like its no big deal don't feel you HAVE to come to my friends with no kids. (Less to feed) hehehe! Lesson learned!!!
Glad it turned out good! I saw the pics on facebook

[KiwiMommy]

Beth, that has happened with Ashlynn's 1st AND 2nd bday.
Same person did it twice, too.
RSVP'ed she was going then the 1st time she completely ignored my text asking if she was still going (along with 2 other girls with their kiddos) and the 2nd time she just said "Oh I'm working"...you'd think she'd know that ahead of time or not RSVP until she knows?
Frustrating for sure, but I agree with the blessing in disguise. This year we did mainly family and I invited a few friends with kids (none showed, most with valid reasons why), I made a cake and bought dollar store favors and such. Much cheaper. We also did it 2-5pm so I didn't have to REALLY feed anyone, just did a few snack foods and juices.

[STL_Beth]

We just did snacks, too...much easier!