



August 5, 2008 was a big mess at the Springer house! It was Garrett's birthday and it couldn't have been dirtier! I had told Garrett about a messy party that I had thrown for some friends while in High School. He thought that was the coolest and decided he wanted to do that for his birthday party. So we brainstormed some messy ideas for games and cake, Garrett even helped me design the invitations. In planning this messy party on the adult side, rather than the teenager side I realized how lucky I was to have parents that indulged my creativity and allowed the full messiness that I had at my own party in High School. I have to admit that I wasn't quite so indulgent with Garrett. He still thought it was the coolest however, so no harm done. Just yet another parenting moment that increased my appreciation and understanding of my own cool parents. The messy games included a pass the green slime game, water balloon toss, stuff the person in the trash bag full of whip cream filled balloons and then pop away, a balloon popping relay with each balloon having a surprise filling (water or whip cream) a pie eating contest (without hands of course) sprinkler musical chairs (or a similar version) and then a huge water slide that we borrowed from our neighbors. A messy party is not complete without a messy cake, so we made a bug mountain complete with cockroach and scorpion. It was a blast. When Garrett talks about what he has done this summer his party is one of the first things he brings up. It was so much fun to plan the party with him. He was so excited and involved. He had lots of friends bring him wonderful gifts, but mostly it was just a chance for us all to say. Happy Birthday Garrett, We Love You!