Pink flamingos in the pool and other party secrets!

How do I start this post?

Birthdays are special in our home. Just looking at this picture I realize how quickly time flies and you need to celebrate. Well when Rachel and Callum were born their birthday was not a happy day. They were pre-mature and very ill. So last year we had a huge blow out. It was lovely but exhausting. So this year I thought it would be nicer to do a small get together crepe party. It would be book themed (Madeline and Paddington). Harm's 2nd birthday was very subdued so I thought it would be fitting.

Chris knows better. He knows between work and kids we don't socialize as much as we should. We are blessed with great friends and family but little time. Last year albeit big and exhausting but was still very special and wonderful.

So this year Chris made me a deal. We could do a big party again if he took the planning reigns. Physically I've been stretched so he was excited to help. The first thing he did was during a Dollar Tree shopping trip pick out the theme: PINK FLAMINGOS and Tiki gear.

Yes, TACKY pink flamingos but I relented. After all he got everything for a party large enough for an army battalion for about $40 dollar including decorations, plates, cups, utensils, etc. Yes, decorations wise we have every flamingo item you could imagine! I asked so why the flamingos?

He responded b/c of the Katy Perry song I listen to with the line "pink flamingos in the pool" and it made him wonder why would anyone want a pink flamingo in their pool... He was thinking you know a real flamingo! When I explained it was tacky plastic ones it just got his eye. It sounded like such fun. So yes our twin's 2nd birthday will be pink flamingos. We will have a waterslide, food, fun, and of course pink flamingos in the pool!

So this year's party bigger than last year! Needless to say we might have bit off more than we can chew but it is going to be fun we both know. There is something about how I was raised. Puerto Rican's (and many Hispanics in general) believe that a birthday isn't just a Peter Piper with a handful of friends. Each milestone is special and must be celebrated as if it could be your last. Everyone needs to be welcome. You renew old friendships and build stronger new ones. It is a pain to use but it was really beautiful and wonderful for all involved. I'll never forget my Abuelita's 80th. The room was filled with a hundred people who loved her dancing and laughing. I realized than, that is how you should live. I'm grateful we are keeping the tradition of big parties alive... as long as it doesn't kill me. If it does though I hope my husband will throw a party instead a drab funeral (he can even book the water slide again).