Dear Future Kyla,

Please read this letter in late March of 2010. By this time, you will likely have forgotten how maddeningly frustrating planning BubTar's mildly disappointing party was this year (2009), the memories of it will likely have been replaced by massive amounts of Calculus, Biology, and Chemistry. To ensure the same mistakes will not be made twice (or three times in some instances), I felt it prudent to send you this message.

First of all, do NOT allow the delightful birthday boy to choose an obscure theme for his party. You've allowed this to happen two years in a row (Bionicles, Ben 10) and made it absolutely impossible to find readily accessible party supplies that stick to the theme. Online suppliers are wonderful, but they also can fall through, leaving you scrambling for a freaking pinata less than 24 hours before the party. March the birthday boy down to Party City and allow him to choose ONLY from the themes at his physical fingertips. Pretend there is no Internet Marketplace. You'll thank me.

Second, do NOT choose an outdoor venue. Yes, it worked out wonderfully in 2008. The sun was shining, the kids ran and played, and the adults were free to have conversations, but in 2009, a great monsoon had just swept through (leaving me/you stranded at a friend's house overnight after Bunco, leaving Josh to make the cupcakes and goody bags all on his own), leaving the park a giant mudpit, complete with pools of water several inches deep. Let's not talk about the mosquitoes, or the way we rushed through the party once we heard thunder rolling in the distance. I don't care what the forecast tells you (like, 80 degrees and sunny!), Future Kyla, don't fall for it.

Third, before scheduling the birthday boy's party, make sure that TWO OTHER CLASSMATES are not choosing the same date and time, or the guest list will dwindle down to next to nothing. He's a good sport, but let's not put him through this situation two years in a row. In fact, you might even contemplate not inviting the entire class, perhaps a sleepover with a few close friends will suffice. I'm sure you are busy with school, so this might save you quite a bit of effort. Order some pizza, rent some movies, and let them go nuts. I'm sure you have studying to do and won't mind being up all night. Use the time wisely. Don't waste the energy on a big bash when he would be equally happy with quality time with his best friends.

Fourth, don't buy a pinata at Target. Just don't. Josh had to slice this one open with a pocket knife to even give the kids a shot at getting to the candy.

God speed, Future Kyla. Give that nearly eight year old a kiss for me. From way back here at seven, I simply cannot imagine him at eight, but I'm sure it will be wonderful. And just so you can recall what seven looks like, I've attached a few photos.

Sincerely,

Kyla circa 2009