New Birthday Lessons

David on his third birthday

My kids learned some new birthday lessons in California. We celebrated my nephew's birthday, and my second cousin's birthday. It was a "baptism by piñata" of sorts. Both parties were the same day, back to back. It never occurred to me that a piñata needed explanation, until my sister and aunt suggested I should.

My nephew's birthday was a Cars theme, and the cousin's theme was Nemo. Each party had it's respective piñata. I should have realized children who have never seen anyone whack a beloved red car or orange clown fish to smithereens with intense joy might be frightened. Son2 was all about the excitement, initially. But when none of the kids could break the orange clown fish they called in some reinforcements.For a split second Son1 was worried, and then he thought I was the coolest. That piñata was so well made I couldn't hit the right spot for the candy to fall. I was shaken from my focus when my sister screamed I should stop. I was scaring the baby. I whirled around, stick in hand. The crowd wailed a "Whoaaaaaa!" Son2 was clutching his daddy, wailing louder and louder. I handed off my stick and tried to explain to my 15 month old that my violence was quite acceptable. He didn't buy it.