For some reason, all my boys were Spring/Early summer babies. Many good things come out of that. They could wear the same season clothes handed down, spring being a time of rebirth makes for an ideal time for babies and temperate weather. One small drawback is we have one birthday celebration after another, eat lots of cake and spend wads of cash on parties and gifts all at once.
Most years I alternate between making a personalized cake and buying one at the bakery. The kids really get a kick out of the homemade cakes we have made over the years. They include, to name a few, a volcano cake with red, orange and yellow lava, a kitty litter cat (a BIG hit), various versions of LEGO cakes and other boy themes. You do not have to be a professional baker to accomplish a birthday cake made at home. A box cake can be used in any design you decide and frosting is very forgiving. And the worst thing that can happen is it looks atrocious and you throw it away or give it to the dog.
Searching on the internet can bring up a gamut of ideas for signs, decorations and party favors that can done by your family as well. Getting everyone involved brings the family together and offers siblings a chance to do something kind for one another.Having home parties can entail a lot of work and effort. It is also perfectly fine to have a party at one of the kid-friendly places like Chuck E.Cheese. Be sure to check your local paper for coupons weekly, their website or call about a party discount. Parents can bring their own cake too.
A recent trend we have noticed is children deciding to pass on kid toys for canned food donations or animal shelter items. Or if you decide to go the toy route, par down before hand by donating the outgrown and unused toys to charity. You will thank yourself when cleaning and no longer have all the kids clutter to pick up.
The most important thing to remember about your children's birthday is celebrate the milestone of another year and being thankful for your children and family. All the rest is just details and in the grand scheme of things, just minor details, not worth stressing out over.
