Sunday Sneak Peek: Sıla's Birthday Party

Yesterday we went to two different birthday celebrations.  

The first one was for Lucy's friend, Sıla.  Sıla's mom wanted to invite the entire class (53 kids!), but couldn't host even 1/4 that many in her home.  She and I talked about all sorts of options.  In the end, she decided to have the party at a little cafe in our local shopping mall.  The cafe she picked was small, but she figured that only about 1/3 of the class would come with their mothers.

Well, with the exception of two kids, the entire class showed up, with their mothers, siblings, and, in a few cases, cousins.  The teacher also came with her son (who is in a different class) and her 70 year old mother who had a broken arm.

I would estimate 110 people in a space meant for 30.

It was chaos!!

It took an hour just to get folks situated.  I think the cafe staff were ready to freak out.  I know I was!  HA!

Trying to find space for all the kids.

Finally a clown arrived and brought out the cake.

 Once the kids each had a slice of cake and some juice they were told to get out of the way.  The mothers were seated and served.  (It's a cultural thing, but everyone must be served.  I think that in America, the moms would be fine without a piece of cake.  They would just stand around talking or whatever while the kids were enjoying themselves.  That is not how it goes here.)

First off, it drove many of the women crazy that most of us had to stand for awhile.  Everyone wanted to be seated.  That was clearly not an option.  But, the ladies kept trying to find and make space for everyone to sit.  Since none of them are magicians, that did not happen.

Anyhow, they shooed the kids away to be entertained by the clown, and the ladies took their places at the tables.

Now, we were in a tiny cafe that we had already filled well past capacity.  So, when the big shift occurred the only place for the kids to go was out into the mall.  No problem.  Most of the boys had already been running around the mall like crazies anyhow.

First up, face painting!

We weren't sure wether Lucy was a kitty or rabbit!

The shopping mall had all sorts of special events for families and children for New Years.  So, as families walked by and saw a clown painting faces they started putting their kids in the line!  Finally one of the mothers had to stand at the back and tell people they couldn't get their kids' faces painted. 

That went over like a lead balloon!

Then the clown led the kids in some games.  There were sack races, some sort of shouting thing, and a boys verses girls race...

In the middle of the very busy shopping mall.

Again, it was chaos!

I am sure my friend had to take about 20 nerve pills by the time she got home with her daughter and a pile of presents that were never even opened!

But, Lucy had a good time!  So I guess that's a win!