Party #1- The School Party

Callie's second birthday party was at school. Birthdays are a BIG DEAL in kindergarten.



Of course we brought treats for everyone. I made a nut, cracker, and pretzel mix. The kids really liked it. Callie got to pick her two best friends and they got to move their table out into the center of the room. It was sort of like a wedding reception where Callie was the center of attention and everyone sat around watching her.



Lucy loved getting to sit next to big sister and share the limelight.



Classmates



One of the moms posing with the cake. It was very pretty and tasted great. It did have a plastic broach and plastic heart that said mother. Luckily it did not have the fancy sign that said Happy Mother's Day. I think the plastic high heel is why Callie chose this decoration set. She thought it was Cinderella.



Callie- Happy Birthday at School from Elizabeth on Vimeo.



Birthday Girl!!



Lucy, Callie, and I cutting the cake.



Classmates



More classmates



Making a circle for present time.



Callie opening her presents.



Present Time 1 from Elizabeth on Vimeo.


Opening Presents at School 2 from Elizabeth on Vimeo.


The present time is about the most un-American thing that they do. Every child brings a present to school for the birthday child. After cake time, they all circle up and the birthday child gets to open presents. One by one the children retrieve their presents, kiss the birthday child on each cheek, and give the gift. The child barely opens it before the teacher holds it up for all to admire and comment on. They go all around the circle like this. If a child does not bring a gift, it is a shame, but they still get to kiss the birthday child and wish them "happy new year!". After all the presents have been opened and properly evaluated, they are stowed away and it is time to dance.


Dancing 1 from Elizabeth on Vimeo.


Dancing 2 from Elizabeth on Vimeo.