Lessons Learned at a 4 year old party

We had HC's birthday at Build-A-Bear. I was so excited for HC to realize her party was at the bear place, because she always wanted to go in and try it. The only problem was I couldn't schedule earlier than 11 am. My daughter and son usually eat lunch at 11 am and then take a nap after lunch. I wasn't too concerned because my kids are usually great at going with the flow.

Lesson 1 - go with your Mommy bear instinct when you get that 'feeling'.
I should have gone with my initial instinct. I started to schedule the party at 10am so we could eat and sing before the Build-A-Bear part began but I didn't.
Result - my daughter was at low energy and dragging. She was not having fun, she wanted her cupcakes! So the thrill of the party - a total loss.
Moral - It is always better to feed 3 and 4 year olds before a 1 hour long event, when it requires their participation and energy.

Lesson 2 - Tell the party hostess to have games 3 and 4 year olds would enjoy. The hostesses were fantastic. Ours was a little young and she was doing her 'bit' that she is told to do, but the games were above the kids and the kids were uninterested (this could be due to Lesson 1).
Result - 12 kids looking/touching everything in the store and distracted by everything BUT the hostess.
Moral - always have something up your sleeve to keep the energy level up!

Lesson 3 - Leave tired/hungry 2 year old brother cub with daddy bear. Daddy was holding our table at the food court and plan A was to leave JB with Daddy. Last minute I decided to bring JB with me because I thought he would have fun. He is usually adventurous. Plus, it was bad enough daddy was missing out, I didn't want them both to be gone for her party.
Result - I eventually had to strap JB into the stroller because he was touching things we weren't supposed to touch and he was sitting on displays. Once in the stroller, JB was screaming and rude to friends.
Moral - Never try to juggle too much at a birthday party. Keep it easy on you, you have enough to worry with. Don't make it harder on you than necessary.


The party was fun and HC did have a good time. It just wasn't her full level of being thrilled. I haven't even looked at our video yet because I am afraid I will see a lot of my daughter and my son tugging on me and asking if the party was over yet. I know my HC and she is a thankful girl. She also loves to celebrate and have fun. So, my only disappointment is with me. She would have had a great time if I only listened to that little tug at my inner self. After HC ate, she was excited, thrilled and ready to party. She didn't even take a nap.

We opened all her gifts and she and I played with everything while Dad and JB took naps. The best was that it even drizzled a little so she could use her umbrella. She was dying to use it! :)
**Sorry Bloggy Friends, this is long but the rest is just pics of the day and very short explanations.**

Before

Add the heartFill 'er up with stuffing.Tada!Give them a bath!
Time for grub!!!Eat up little cubs!Yummy!Cupcakes!!
Sorry for the mess Moms!The fella's discussing "What is up with all the pink and girly stuff?"The girls - 'Let ME see!'Icing on the cake - God brought a tiny bit of rain!