The Sat. Morn. Post, Vol. 13 - Nina's Birthday Party

Our daughter Nina turned nine a couple of weeks ago, and just as we've done in the past, we threw a birthday party for her. Since her birthday always falls near Labor Day Weekend, we opt to move her party to the Saturday after Labor Day. We learned years ago that few people show up on a Saturday of a 3-day holiday weekend. Our plan for this year was to have a backyard pool party and BBQ. We did this last year too, and it worked out fine. It also fit our budget, which is even more critical this year.

Well, our pool didn't cooperate. I guess I should say I wasn't diligent enough in cleaning the pool since we re-filled it back in June. We have an above-ground pool, and cleaning it is not as easy as a large built-in type that that has a large filter and vacuum system. The water is clean, and I keep plenty of chlorine in it, but it's the dirt that has fallen to the bottom along with the algae growing on the bottom and sides that make it look . . . less than desirable to my wife Laura.

Our kids didn't seem to care, as they swam with the little green stuff mixed in the water. But as Laura put it: "I wouldn't let my kid swim in a pool that looks like that if we were invited to a pool party." I therefore have to assume that all of the moms of the girls we invited will think the same, and the girls would then be trapped in our backyard with nothing to do.

So what did we do, you ask? We had the party at the new water park that opened in the city next to ours. Splash! is it's name, and it has a pirate theme. There are pools, slides, a lazy river, and all sorts of things to climb on - in and out of the water. There are tables with umbrellas throughout the park, and plenty of chairs - both the regular type, and the ones that recline back like a deck chairs. They even have an area for parties where you and your guests are covered by a canopy. So that's what we did - reserved a canopy for the day. After the morning football game was over, all the little cheerleaders played in the water park and celebrated Nina's birthday. It only cost a little more than what we planned, because we did not provide food - only a birthday cake and bottled water. Enough of the chit-chat, here are some pictures - this one is of the whole park:


Here's the birthday girl:


Here are most of the girls taking a break from splashing about to pose for a group picture:


This was a popular spot all day long, not just with the kids from our party, but many others. There must be something about steering a ship's wheel . . .


One of the many breaks from swimming to take pictures:


Drying off in the sun before presents and cake:


We're all in our places with bright shiny faces:


I was pleased to find the peace sign is still popular with the kids. So are High School Musical-themed gifts (the small bag in the center). Nina also likes McDonald's, the color pink, and journals to write in. Her friends know her well.


We gave her The Beatles Rock Band. Nina loves The Beatles, and she and Laura have been playing non-stop since last Saturday. I am a huge Beatles fan, and I am so happy that Nina has fallen in love with their music. Our son Brady, on the other hand, is not the least bit interested in the Beatles. That's his loss.


Did I mention this was a SpongeBob-themed party? Well maybe you noticed the party hats, table cloth and sand pail "goody bags" in the pictures above and figured it out on your own.


Here are some of the parents who attended:(l-r) Mina, Laura, Suzie, Amber (seated), and Michelle. Not shown is Nina's dad (me), because he's on the other side of the camera.




Oh, there I am, with my Honey-Bunny!



See you next Saturday morning.