Pump it up!

Long gone are the days of simple children's birthday parties.  Today's parties are far more elaborate and expensive.  The idea of goodie bags for the attendees was a nice piece of salesmanship by some creative novelty vendor.

Pump It Up is one of the more popular venues for the 4-9 age group. It is a lot of fun, I'll admit.  But it's a racket, especially for parents who wait until the last minute and thus have to buy the up-to 25 attendee package for about ten kids. I still don't understand why they wouldn't sell the time slot I wanted to a smaller group...but I clearly was in no position to argue.

Youngest son Riley had his a party this past weekend. My wallet is shockingly lighter, but a great time was had by all.  I guess that is what's most important.

Picture of guests below, absent cousin Josie who was probably tired of all the squirrely boys by photo time.