I can't wrap my head around this--well sort of

Talking to Amber yesterday, and she was telling me about Jessica's birthday party. They have rented a suite at the CanadInn, and are planning a sleep over with up to eight people.  All eight will have access to the pool, and they can invite two more to the pool part of it, but those two won't be able to stay over night.  No frills like loot bags.


She was also telling me about tentative plans for Samantha to take her friends to a movie.  For a price, there is a a special room where you can eat cake, (that can be provided or take your own, plates etc are all laid out and ready, even a knife to cut the cake) and deal with gifts, and maybe even loot bags.  Just before the movie starts you are taken to your reserved seats, and they bring popcorn and drinks for everyone.

Reminds me of one of our trips when we stayed in a hotel in Minot, with a big indoor pool and lots of area around it, and many rooms with straight access to the pool surround.  We were there on a Saturday, and several of the pool-side rooms had been rented for the day ( not over night) for children's birthday parties.

I also remember birthday parties when we were young.  You went to someone's house bearing gifts, played bingo for about half an hour for little token prizes, ate cake, and went home.  

I'm almost glad to have been through it all years ago, but realize, that for stressed out moms, some of these arranged things are the easiest way to do it.  Unfortunately such arrangements become the norm, and the children learn to expect it.