Family Matters & Birthday Parties

As family gatherings go, the one this weekend had its own level of stress. However, we returned home rather unscathed to say the least. We were in Saraland this weekend to celebrate E's birthday with family. Anytime my entire family gathers together it can be stressful. We were pleasantly surprised that things went so well.

We had her party at "Skateland" in Saraland. This place holds memories for both Mark and me. Growing up there, we both had birthday parties at this skating rink. Things have, let's say, changed.....Angie (Mark's sister) had warned me. My cousin, Alison, had also stopped by to check it out. She had redeeming things to say about it after Angie's initial report. Let's start with the tables in the party room. They are still covered with the watermelon contact paper that I have seen before. I will not try to guess how many parties this contact paper has celebrated. Once the Dora cake had been devoured and the presents had been opened, we moved on to skating. Back to presents...after each one E would say "Next". I think a little humility needs to be taught in our house. She is a little too assuming that there were more gifts waiting for her. :)
Now to skating. We had to select our own skates in a room that at one time would issue the skates to the patrons in exchange for their shoes. No longer. The skates are mismatched to say the very least. Several pair that B tried on had busted seams, no shoelaces, oh just terrible. My dad and his wife had given E some skates for a gift, so she was taken care of.

By the end of two hours of skating, both kids and mom & dad were pooped. Alison & her kids, Memaw, along with Aunt Kim stuck it out to the end with us. We really did have a wonderful day with family. E got so many wonderful gifts and beautiful clothes for spring. I am thankful that despite our disfunctional family, we can all get together to celebrate with my children. Especially since my children have no idea what all goes on "behind the scenes" with our family gatherings.