Our 2nd bday party fiascos

coasterqueen wrote: Dee Dee, if you think your boo boo with the invites was a winner, maybe mine will make you feel better, lol.

Well we finally decided we were going to have Kylie's bday party at the St. Louis cardinals game this Saturday since we already have paid for a party room and catering. Well I ASSUMED that we could have the party there because they advertise birthday party events, etc.

So I call them yesterday and just verify what gate I go in to bring a cake and how the other 28 guests bring presents in etc. I was informed I could bring a cake but no decorations and no presents. I guess because the whole 9/11 event they can't monitor what's inside the presents so they say no go.

Ok what was I going to do? Now her party is ruined. So I call the hotel where we were going to be staying at begging them for a small private room to have a party. I figured we could do presents and cake before the game and then all go over to the game since the hotel was right across the street. The sales manager informed me it would be a minimum of a $175 room rental plus catering fees. I even put on my "meeting planner" charm to get him down in the price, but no go. He suggested a park nearby, but the park has no picnic tables just a few benches. Well can't do that.

So we thought about it last night and DH said to try to upgrade our room reservation from a regular room to a executive suite. It would cost more but not as much as rental fees for a private room would cost etc. I thought that was a good plan, ok. So I call the hotel this morning and ask and they have no reservation for me. HUH? So I go digging here at work for my confirmation sheet and realized I booked a hotel room at a hotel clear across town instead! The whole reason we wanted this particular hotel is they have a landing that you can walk across the takes you directly to the stadium so when I and Kylie get tired we can just walk across to the hotel and to our room. So I call the hotel back and they are sold out. I called every downtown hotel and they are sold out! The hotel we are in has no suites.

So I called DH crying telling him that's it, I'm done this whole thing has been too stressful forget having a party. He suggested having it at a restaurant but we would still have to order food and we already have catering at the game for our dinner. So that's out. So he called the ball park back and whined to them and they said we could bring gifts in as long as they are all in gift bags. Everyone will have to have all the gifts checked out before entering the stadium. Ok, I guess I can live with that. BUT my poor baby won't get to tear open any gifts, just get them out of gift bags.

So now we are still stuck with a hotel room clear across town and will have to take a cab or drive and park which costs more and we won't be able to leave conveniently when we are tired.

I have a feeling that this event will not play out smoothly from here til Saturday. SIGH. WHY?????????????????? UGH!

amynicole21 replied: Oh Karen, what a mess! I'm so sorry. It seems that whenever I try to do something big it gets screwed up, too. At least you can still have it at the game... don't you think that they would let you bring in a happy birthday banner at the very least? It's going to turn out great despite of all this, don't worry.

coasterqueen replied:
Well I've decided I'm bring decorations anyways. Won't be able to have balloons, but I might try to bring them anyways. Pooey on them! LOL. I know when we've gone to the games in the past that they check our bag only by making me open it, so they don't look at what's inside so I'm just going to put them all in my bag with some diapers over top and VIOLA!

Josie83 replied: Oh that's cr*p Karen, I hope it goes okay. It made me laugh how you're going to smuggle the decorations in anyway! I hope it goes well, my fingers r crossed for you!! xx

booey2 replied: Hi, I just had an idea, if you really want her to rip open some presents, why not bring in the wrapping paper and tape and wrap some up once you are in the room. I mean she will be pretty distracted with everything going on she may not notice you wrapping them up.

kit_kats_mom replied: Oh Karen! I'm so sorry. That sounds like a big huge pain in the butt.

It's all about the party and a 2yo really wont' know that it's not exactly what you've planned. I know that has to be frusterating though.

A&A'smommy replied: ((((((BIG HUGS)))))) Awwwww Karen I'm SO sorry your having such a hard time getting her party together. I hope it does go smoothly for you guys and that she has a WONDERFUL time! (((HUGS)))

ediep replied: Oh Karen, what a mess!!! I feel so bad!!!! Whenever I try to do something like that, I always mess up! I like the idea of bringing wrapping papaer and wraping a few when they get there, and definately bring some decorations.They may be fine

coasterqueen replied:
That was Dh's idea too but then I would have to cut the paper and definitely can't bring scissors in. Or even if I didn't have to use scissors it seems like a hassle. I think she'll be fine just opening the bags.

She'll get to unwrap some gifts from us on her birthday so that'll make up for it .

MommyToAshley replied:

Oh sweetie, I am sorry everything became such a mess. I tried to plan a very simple party with family and a few friends and everything became a mess.... I can imagine how you feel trying to plan all of this. But, it sounds like you have a good solution, and I doubt that they will say anything if you sneak a few decorations in. And, I bet Kylie will have a blast pulling stuff out of the bags. (The idea of brining in wrapping paper is a good idea too). Kylie is going to have a blast, you will see!!! At least you know there will be people there, unlike the mistake I made.

Good Luck... don't forget your camera, we'll want to see pictures!

Kaitlin'smom replied: ahhh hon I am sooo sorry, sounds like you have amde adjustments and I bet it will turn out fine in the end.

oh and M2A Kaitlin got her invite in the mail yesterday...she loved it

kimberley replied: oh Karen, i am so sorry for all your troubles what craziness you are dealing with. fingers crossed for smooth sailing from now til the party ends. i am sure it will go great.