So do you remember the birthday parties back in the 100 billion served days of McDonald's? They came with McDonald's party props, a new offering called "Happy Meal" and the joy of being at McDonald's all wrapped in various shades of lime and orange. Things have changed and truthfully I never thought we would do a McDonald's birthday party but that changed too. It was much more affordable than imagined. In October Benjamin went to a McDonald's birthday party for a friend and decided it was the gold standard for birthday parties. It was nice for Janice and me because there was no time consuming clean up, game or goodie preparation. The party was scheduled for April 4th the Saturday before Benjamin's actual birthday (April 9th). We arrived to find 15 balloons were attached to 15 chairs at which sat 15 party place-mats, and 15 McDonald's party crowns. A lovely McDonaldette greeted us, took notes on what we the party parents would be having for lunch (the parents received a "free" lunch) and gave us the complete party schedule. Everything happened like clockwork, play time, happy meal, play time, cake, play time, presents, play time, and rush to the car so the next party group could jump on the McDonald's party ride. Benjamin's 5th birthday was a joy! We came home to a clean house, sat down and played with toys.
A few days later Benjamin's actual birthday started off with our customary birthday donut just before an extra special field trip to Nathaniel's school where he is to attend Kindergarten. He had been talking about this day for weeks. It was "WOW Day". Parents and child were given a fun filled introduction to the world of a Kindergardener. Benjamin took it as "everyone wants to celebrate Benjamin's birthday at Nathaniel's school" day which was great. Benjamin wore a "Happy Birthday Benjamin" shirt all day and was indeed celebrated all day. Once home again, the boys made a big wheel ride to the mail box and finished off the day with a "Janice made" Transformer birthday cake and presents to be opened.
What a great day! Happy Birthday Benjamin!
