Parties and peeps

Yesterday was the final formal family party for my oldest son. My husband and I, ok really I decided that 10 would be the end for the obligation of attendance. Now, it is very clear that he will expect his present from the same loved people for many years to come. But, with friend parties carrying a number of attendees anywhere from 17-22 transition time is here. Course I say that but summer bday could last forever as we will always have people over for summer fun.
In honor of that a new tradition my Aunt Lisa and I began was a Family Olympics. The idea is to still give a purpose for the gathering every year in the time of change. I am all about making memories and connecting people. This year was the 2nd annual Olympics coupled with the bday.
Typical for any family there are the party poopers who loom about making the iffy people sway to the side of negativity or hidden interest, and then there are the readily involved individuals who go with the flow and make everything fun. Yes mother I am very aware you are a "tolerate" one as in code for I wish I could hide on the sidelines. In my new learning curve I am trying to ignore those people, continue on not allowing there attitude to affect mine but geez it is hard. I do not understand why so many adults have to act "too cool" to be silly with kids. Case in point, I had an obstacle course as one of the 5 games. But adults were losing interest in the events and my husband even went with the crowd ruling to end the games. Now I could have ignored them all like NEARLY EVERY child was begging but I didn't. I called it a day. Really too tired to assemble it myself hearing my husband retort this was your idea multiple times.
We played Sponge Tag first where adults were targets and had to keep feet planted while kids threw 3 sponges at them for points. The next game was balloon stomp. Basically you tie a balloon to each child's legs and they run around trying to pop them. Freshly cut grass made for a difficult time constantly popping balloon while walking. So it was moved to the driveway and only one balloon. This was a kids only game and they laughed and chased to their hearts content. Third, was shotput and disc throwing (water balloon and Frisbee). Most of the teams chose shotput for kids and Frisbee for adults. Lastly, homemade lawn darts courtesy of Family Fun magazine ideas. The final game really made a huge difference in points for teams for overall winners.
Last year I awarded medals each game, in the hopes more people would feel like a winner but it was still defintely uneven. I also had an MVP which Joey won but did not do it this year. Eva played mostly for the pictures, and so someone that wouldn't be offended was last place. I will admit I dropped the ball worn down from life and thinking about the naysayers. Next year assuming all people still attend the BBQ I will need less adult participants so I can weed out a few too. Joey ended in 3rd place, although truth be told I did not keep accurate score erring on the side of the kids who obviously won and also the kids who would not notice the number on their medal. I was happy for #1 when I needed a tie breaker between him and his cousin whom he very much wants to beat. She is a year younger but bigger and stronger to no fault of either of them. He won it fair and square. Thank you God for small miracles.
In the end the consensus is this:
Kids will forever remember these great times and tell stories to their kids. Adults will think one way or another but never deny the sweet memories it holds or the nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends. I will look back on the scrapbook pages proud of the effort I put into this stuff because there is a legacy I am building I will not ever regret. Until the next year I will kick back and relax. Well, that is until school starts and #3 turns 6.