21Jan08 - Normal Party

Yesterday we took Lucy to a party for one of her school friends and for a change we had a great time. It was fancy dress so we got Lucy dressed up in her angel costume. I was still little apprehensive about going because it was at a children's fun house and I knew that I would have to climb around with Lucy so that she could enjoy the slides and soft play stuff. I didn't want to be the centre of attention or have to put up with the sympathetic looks from other parents. I should not have worried about it because most of the children there were from Lucy's school and so there was none of that pressure at all. It was like a breath of fresh air not to constantly feel like all the eyes are on you (even when they are not) and just to enjoy the party as you are supposed to. So when it came to 'pass the parcel' I had no problem sitting down in the little circle with Lucy to join in with the fun. I think Joshua also felt it although he didn't say anything at the time.After 'pass the parcel' the disco lights came and Lucy sat for a long time with me just taking it all in.When she got bored of that Joshua and I decided that it was time to take her on the slide. The were a few Mums and Dads taking turns at giving their children rides just like me so we went up and down quite a few times. It just felt natural which is how it is supposed to be.We even had a climb around but I think Lucy enjoyed the slide more. It was nice for Joshua because he is at that funny age where he wants to play but needs a push to get going. When Lucy and I had had enough Joshua carried on playing until it was time to go.It was just a normal party for us and a few of the other parents said the same thing. A lovely relaxing atmosphere (not forgetting that it was a children's party) where the children were just children and the parents were just parents. It would be lovely if all the parties we go to could be like this one.