Party Planning

Is it just me or does there seem to be a lot of work that must go into planning a child's birthday party? Kaylen is turning 7 on February 10th - and we shopped this weekend for decorations and finalized the theme, decorations, guest list...etc.   It was a lot just to figure out where to have it - the kids' house with Casey, our Portland house (temporary, so our furniture for guests is sparse), a restaurant, or - the ultimate winner - the community room in the complex where my mom lives.  There is the decor to figure out - which is everywhere, until you are actually shopping for the theme of choice - which is Barbie this year.  It took trips to two different Walmarts and a Target to get what we have so far - which is most everything except the last minute food and balloons.  Of course, we have to remember stuff from the house too, since it it going to be in a party room - so must bring the knife, an ice cream scoop, paper towels in case of spills, tape for putting up pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and a step stool for hanging up the longed-after-and-finally-agreed-upon pinata. 

We have things to make the kids happy - but what about the adults - who will be bored to tears?  I figure I will supply some wine and a  veggie tray, there's a pool table, and then they are on their own!  If they get bored, they will end up being sent over to my mom's apartment where they will be put to work packing boxes because she will be moving to a different apartment in the same complex the next weekend!  So family members - beware - and look entertained!