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Kev Lawrence: ideas for kids' birthdays
June is always a very expensive month for us. Both our kids celebrate birthdays, and since getting a dog, her birthday is now also an event that needs a party. So says my wife.
June is always a very expensive month for us. Both our kids celebrate birthdays, and since getting a dog, her birthday is now also an event that needs a party. So says my wife.My boy hits eight, my girl hits five, and my dog hits two (but looks older.)
As a parent you want your kids to have birthday parties to remember. Something really special and memorable, but because funds are limited this becomes a heck of a challenge. And in times of computer games and all sorts of technical wizardry, satisfying your children is much harder than it used to be.
I also have a theory that all of the kids my boy is friends with have incredibly imaginative parents, who constantly come up with really cool ideas for parties. And I don't want to be out-done.
So I cheated, and asked listeners to my Heart Breakfast Show last week for ideas.
Michelle rang to say that she organised for her kids a tobogganing party at Tallington Lakes, and now she is the world's best mum. Fran did the same, but also threw in a giant inflatable banana that her children sat on, and were then pulled along by a powerful speedboat. Ten-pin bowling, Brewster's, Big Sky, Activity World, Laser Quest and rock climbing parties all got suggested. One smart gentleman offered up the idea of a swimming pool party round at Stewart Jackson's house, on the basis that my expenses could be claimed back. Very amusing.
In the end, the winning suggestion for my lad was a karting party at a track in North Bretton.
The cost means places will be limited, and only his very best friends can come, but when I went down to have a look I was immediately impressed. The fleet of karts look amazing, ultra safe but also quick (top speeds of around 40mph, I think).
The circuit appears challenging but not too difficult for a bunch of eight-year-olds who no doubt will have the time of their lives behind the wheel of their very own racing cars.
All the boys will have to pass a basic safety test before being allowed on the track, and since arranging it, my boy hasn't stopped going on about it. He can't wait!
As for my girl, we have opted for a bouncy castle party. There are lots of local firms that hire. We have booked the Dragons Den, and I know for sure that my little girl and all of her mates will spend most of the day in it, on it, or near it.
Do your own food, and suddenly what looked a daunting expense is well within budget.
And finally, for my hound? Well let's just say that as yet no formal party plans have been made, nor have any invites to her fellow Hampton dogs gone out. Unless of course the wife has done it all without me knowing.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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