This week, my youngest child is turning 9 (Happy birthday, Hunter!). I had him just before I turned 21, so basically I gave birth then went out and had my first legal drink (kidding. kinda). Each year on our kids’ birthday, rather than buy them toys that will be lost by early next morning, we spend an entire day that is strictly THEIR day. It’s rarely cheap, always exhausting, and forever filled with laughs and memories. This year, my son decided Hunter Day would be spent at Animal Kingdom in Disneyworld. Great. We went once, but they had just opened and half the park was still being built, so we’ve all been wanting to see the "whole" park. So we’re going down this weekend to spend the day seeing everything he wants to see there (and a few things we want to see too!).
But it occurs to me this year that mom and dad (namely, me and the dh) don’t get this same gift on our birthdays. I don’t get a full day of doing whatever floats my boat. Well, I turn 30 next month and I’m jumping on the nice set up my kids have going!!!!!! I’m not sure what I’d like to do or where I’d like to go, but 30’s a pretty big birthday, and I should do something, right?
There’s a resteraunt by the beaches called Crab Shack Joes that I’d love to go eat at, for the crabcakes alone. But they make you wear a coconut bra and dance around the resteraunt while everyone sings happy birthday to you (and by everyone, i mean every single body in the place). If you refuse, they’ll simply carry on until you’re want them to shut up so badly, you comply anyway. So, maybe I won’t go there after all. Or, maybe a movie. But it would have to be animated because I can’t celebrate my birthday without my kids! But I’m slightly sick of talking cows and singing princesses, so that’s a no, too.
So how should I spend my big THREE OH? Any suggestions or things I might like to check out? My next post will be around my birthday, so I’ll let you know what I’ve decided!
Thanks for the good idea Heather about the kids having their own special day, I can’t believe how much stuff me and my husband buy for our kids that just “disappear”.
I turn twenty-eight tomorrow and were going to a restaurant called Pagoda, http://www.pagodahotel.com/i/PAG%20DiningPg1_12.2003.pdf its Japanese buffet style and its got beautiful Koi ponds surrounding it, so i hope my girls will enjoy watching the fish while we eat.
If my kids we’re in school tomorrow we’d probably spend the day at the beach.
Hugs,
Danette
Comment by danette — February 22, 2007 @ 1:35 am
Heather,
I had two kids by the time I was 21, so I know exactly how you feel. You’ll love it in ten years when the kids are off to college or ?. It’s a beautiful thing *g*.
For your big day I suggest going to a favorite hotel or resort.
Dh surprised me with a trip to my favorite resort for my 40th and it was fabulous–romantic dinner, mineral bath, massages, facials… A perfect ten, and a birthday I’ll never forget.
So whatever you decide to do, make your 30th memorable! You deserve it!
Comment by Julia Templeton — February 22, 2007 @ 3:07 am
What about babysitters, a cleaning service, and a day out with DH.
Comment by spyscribbler — February 22, 2007 @ 7:21 pm