Expat Birthday Parties!

Expat Birthdays


There are many things that are usually worse when you are out of the USA. Like customer service, road conditions, or cel phone service. There is one thing however, that is and always has been (from what I am told) better out of the country. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the expat kid’s birthday party.

No longer are we slaves to the Dandy Bear Playlands, the Rent-a-Jupiter-Jump, the Little Gym full kit parties. We do not have to keep up with the Joneses and spend $10 on take away gifts for our guests or rent-a-clowns! We are totally free to have the exact kind of party a 4-year-old girl (and her parents) would want.

Instructions:

1. While visiting the States, purchase a few “Princess Theme” decorations.
2. Add one Princess Dress (If you are really lucky, your neighbor will bring one as a present…. In THEIR suitcase!
3. Invite 9 children who conveniently, are your friend’s kids.
4. Have your nanny make a cake. Also have her make adult happy hour food.
5. Send your driver to buy minerals (sodas). Also have him buy lots of beer.
6. The day before send out an email inviting all of your fellow adult compound dwellers to happy hour at your house.

The rest is easy! Put up the decorations and get a good playlist going on the ipod. Bring out a few craft items and set them up in the other room. Then relax, and um, enjoy yourself! The kids are running around, dancing to “You’re Beautiful” while the adults are drinking cold beer and eating yummy munchies your friends brought over. After a while the nanny takes the kids into the other room and does a craft project with them. You go in and sit next to your daughter to help her and not worry for a second at the mess the kids are making. Wander back to the party. After awhile call everyone over to sing happy birthday. Try to take the beer bottles out of view for the picture taking. Sing in at least 5 different languages. Take lots of pictures and cut the cake.

Mingle a bit and then hear your boss laugh like he has not laughed in a long time while your daughter tries to put cake in his mouth. After a while let the kids go outside and play on the big toy while the nanny cleans up. After a few hours many of the 40 people who came to share this afternoon with your family will begin leaving. The nanny bathes the kids. Then your best friend paints your daughter’s nails. After they come and snuggle on the couch with you as you chat with the remaining “family member” caliber friends who would probably stay all night. Open a bottle of good “special occasion” wine and talk with your family in the dancing candlelight. Play with your daughter’s hair as she drifts off to sleep in your lap with a smile on her face…..