It is less than 4 hours since the official birthday party broke up. The first set of pictures are in attachment form ready to be sent out to the other parents. We all came to the party knowing how dramatic  an emotional development of a 3 year old can be. We only had one cry from my baby and one who did not want to leave.

I met another American Mom living in Amsterdam, whose partner is here on business with a 2 year turn around time. I can’t wait to make another play-date to the petting zoo next time there is a school in service date. We are trying to keep it low key, but I am truly excited that our Yes 3yr-old, can play so well with the other girls that came to her party.

Our theme was Smurfs. Each got to take home a smurf stuffed animal and a DVD, costing less than a bag of sweets and surely much more enjoyment that will last. The Dutch Mom asked if I was Santa Claus, and I said I guess it is typical American to get something from the party. I did not think I was in overdrive. The table was with a plastic tablecloth that said Happy Birthday with balloons. The party hats had a clown on it, since smurf were not to be found.  But maybe, just maybe I was secretly glad we did not go to the little gym where everything was arranged for you and a large price tag.  The paper plates with Happy Birthday were chucked and the rest of the cake is now sitting in my lasagna pan. I asked my three year old if she had a good time, and she said– SUPER!