birthday party

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Dear Holly: Your Friend’s Birthday Party Nearly an Hour Away

9 years, 9 months.

Dear Holly,

This past Saturday morning, Mommy was in Atlanta picking up Grandma who had flown in from Sacramento. Meanwhile, I was at play practice.

So we recruited Nonna and Papa’s help in transporting you to your classmate’s birthday party that morning; which took place nearly an hour away, in Gadsden.

I had explained to you that while I was growing up here in this town, we didn’t have to drive nearly an hour away for a birthday party: We had a bowling alley, a skating rink and a movie theater!

You laughed in confusion when I explained that we even had birthday parties at McDonald’s!

Either way, you clearly had so much fun at the birthday party!

 

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Warmie Scarlette’s Birthday Party

9 years, 6 months.

Dear Holly,

You and your cousin Darla had been making plans all last week, leading up to the sleepover you had at her house; which took place Friday night as Mommy and I went to Nasvhille to see Bryan Adams in concert… for a 2nd time.

One of the main events for the sleepover was that you hosted a “birthday party” for your newest Warmie, a parot named Scarlette.

It was so sweet how you crafted a gift bag for Scarlette and carefully made a customed birthday card for her, in which you referred to yourself as “Mom”.

I love it!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Trip to Build-A-Bear for Your 9th Birthday

9 years old.

Dear Holly,

For your first birthday party since we moved to Alabama, I was certain you would choose to have it at Alice Circle; which is like the ideal place for 9 year-old girls.

But no- instead, you chose… to not have a birthday party?

I suppose you overheard Mommy and I talking about how much a birthday party would cost and then thought to yourself, “Well I could get a lot of gifts for less than a birthday party would cost…”

So in addition to your many birthday gifts you received, you asked if we would take you to Build-A-Bear; as we happened to have a trip planned to Nashville the week after your birthday.

You chose a kitty. And you decided she definitely needed a cheer squad hoodie, and 4 shoes, and to be lavender scented. Oh, of course she needed her own cell phone.

Seems like things a 9 year-old little girl would think of…

Grand total at Build-A-Bear: $76.

Still cheaper than birthday party, right?

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your 8th Birthday Party

8 years old.

Dear Holly,

You chose to have your 8th birthday party at Muletown Pottery, where you and your friends each got to select a small clay item to paint; to be put in an oven and ready for pick up a week later.

I loved seeing the smile on your face when you had the privilege of placing your handprint to be featured on the birthday wall.

Something I appreciated about your birthday part was the ambience: chill.

It was almost like being in a library. I loved that everyone was having fun… without chaos, noise, or any out-of-control messes.

Good choice on your part!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: How to Have Fun at Your Sister’s 8th Birthday Party

13 years, 5 months.

Dear Jack,

Leading up to your sister’s 8th birthday party last weekend, I never gave any thought to the fact that you, a 13 year-old, and your nearly 13 year-old cousin Calla, would be invited to and therefore, actually participate in painting pottery with everyone else.

When the time came for the designated activity, you were authentically into it; no irony whatsoever.

You paid attention to the details as you painted your gnome figurine.

But you definitely had some extra fun before and after the party, leading by example, as you pretended to be trapped in a box; which was basically a decorative glass table.

Love,

Daddy