My granddaughter, Chrystalyn’s birthday is coming up soon and since it’s an important one (she’s turning 13!), I thought I would plan a party for her.
I know, that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but the challenge is, she lives in Florida while I live in South Carolina, so there are going to be some things to overcome.
First thing will be to convince her mother to allow the party to be hosted at her house — I’m sure an afternoon of 13-14 year-olds is not someone’s idea of ecstasy. Then I need to get a list of her friends complete with their addresses so I can send birthday invitations to all of them. I would like to ask my ex-husband’s wife to help decorate (they still live in the same city as Chrystalyn and her mom and dad), but don’t know if that will fly higher than a lead balloon, but you just never know — the worst that could happen would be I get told "no". Dealing with step-in-laws and ex-husbands is tricky, you know?
I also need to get a feel for Chrystalyn’s personality so I can plan a party that’s not too juvenile nor one that’s too adult — 13 is such a hard age! I remember when I turned 13 (well vaguely anyway). I’m sure video games will go over with just about any set in that age group, I just need to know which ones she has that she’s bored with and which ones she doesn’t have that she wants (that are appropriate — after all, 13 year-olds are notorious for WANTING things that are not appropriate!). Certainly no clowns, balloons (unless it’s a hot-air balloon they can all go for a ride in), or pony rides would do.
I’m open for suggestions. I have a month to get planning done, then a couple more weeks after that to get things purchased and put into play. Any of you done anything like this before? Long distance party planning for pubescent kids — hope I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew!
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