Sodor, Bubbles, & Drunkards...Good Times

"Welcome everybody to the Island of Sodor". Each morning these words and that cheerful little song play in my head. If you have a son or know a little boy who is as addicted to Thomas the Tank as much as my son is then you know exactly what I'm talking about. For the rest of you, be somewhat thankful that you have no idea to what it is I'm speaking of. Ever since my son turned one he's be fascinated with the little blue steam engine from the make believe island of Sodor. I have to say my husband and I have been enablers with his obsession by investing a small fortune in all things Thomas. Therefore, it is no surprise to everyone we know that his birthday theme this year is "Thomas". I wasn't planning on having a party for him but he is at the age where he is well aware of what a birthday party is and so at his request (rather me asking and him nodding "yes") I'm having a small and very lo-key party for him. I chose a park in our area to host his party which has a wonderful water playground. I figured it would be perfect since it will be hot enough for water fun and I wouldn't need any other type of entertainment for the kids. As for the adults, a party where the kids are off and playing by themselves with very minimal supervision is like finding a fabulous pair of shoes in your size at 60% off. If this park had completed it's construction when he turned one I would have had his party there. Instead we had a Jack Sparrow impersonator come and entertain the kids. He was great except he looked like William H. Macy instead of Johnny Depp, which is why I was so pleased to know that the water park would be available for this year's party. The only things I needed to worry about was all the other things one has to worry about when planning a party: food, invites, decorations, and goody bags. Now, I don't know who thought of swag bags or when they became such a big hit, but I will tell you that putting together a decent swag bag takes more planning and prep time than everything else involved with a party. The items, unless they are completely personalized which takes even more planning, must be gender neutral and age appropriate for all of your young guests. This year I decided I wasn't going to get some silly little tchotchkes that end up in a junk drawer, so I felt like I scored when I found a big bag of mini Playdough from Costco. I decided I would make little outdoor fun/craft type goody bags with lots of candy so I didn't have to have a pinata as well. This is where my first ever trip to Dollar Tree comes into play. After searching on-line for a good price on side walk chalk I came across the $ Tree website. It was then that I remembered seeing that one was put in a few miles up the road so I loaded up my kid and mom and headed on down to see if they had what I had seen on-line. Overall I didn't get what I was initially looking for but I did find a bargain on bubbles and candy rings. What made this experience most memorable though was the drunk couple the next aisle over from my mom, my sleeping (thank goodness) child, and myself. I guess they were trying to shop too except that everyone could hear them bickering back and forth and then a "slap" sound followed by "I can't be with you!". This all coming from the woman who looked pretty worn and that she probably had a hard life (the guy  looked exactly the same way). I didn't know if I should quickly pay and get out of there or find out what they were going to do next?! Ultimately they found what they were looking for and made their way out the door without further incident. Sadly when I got to my car I noticed they had parked right next to me and were still arguing while stuffing their faces with the quart of ice cream they had just bought. I never would have thought that: public intoxication + bargain ice cream = Dollar Tree. I think it goes without saying that I've had my fill of that store for a good long while. I hope my tiny guests enjoy the bubbles, I know I will.