The Nix Family: Party Like a Jedi

At First 5 LA, there is a lot of talk, as you can imagine, about the correct things to do in raising children to be the best they can be. While we try hard to avoid parroting Hillary Clinton and the whole "It Takes a Village" line, that idea is really the basis of some of the great programs and services offered to new parents. I've seen surveys recently where parents report having no one to turn to for advice or support, and the experts believe that lack of networking can cause depression, childhood obesity, developmental and social issues and, worse, child abuse.

The bottom line is, we can't do it alone. Yes, Holden has made it through seven pretty successful years, and is turning out to be nothing short of wonderful. But we'd be remiss to claim sole credit for his greatness. Truth is, if it wasn't for our friends, family, neighbors, teachers and doctors, I can't imagine how much harder this already hard job would be. While I feel awful knowing there are parents out there not nearly as lucky as we are, I am so eternally grateful for all the amazing people in our lives who support us when we're down, cry with us when we're sad and laugh with us when we celebrate.

Many of those people braved a threatening storm on Sunday to celebrate Holden's 7th birthday at Franklin Park in Redondo Beach. Some were new friends we know through Holden's school and activities, many were old chums who have stuck by us through many, many years. Each one is special to us and our kids. In our post party pooped state, we reflected on what a good time it seemed everyone had, and how mighty fortunate we really are.

Holden is two movies into the Star Wars saga (we started with New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, of course). He plays Star Wars Legos on Wii and loves building Star Wars ships out of Legos. So, when the time came to talk about what to do for his birthday party, it was no surprise to hear him say: "Star Wars Legos." Well, we tried. It was a Star Wars hybrid of the old and new trilogies, the Legos and the Clone Wars. Whatever. He didn't care as long as it was Star Wars.

We crafted the lightsabers out of swimming pool noodles and duct tape. Each kid got one and spent the majority of the party running around the park thwacking each other. We got the idea from someone's blog - wish we could take credit! We did try one game with them, where they had to bounce balloons on the lightsabers without dropping them. The wind made it difficult for the kids, but it was hilarious to watch them try! The pinata came from a great store in Venice, a wonderful recommendation from our friend Jenn, who also made these cupcakes (and blogged about the party here):

This is Gracie, Holden's friend Henry's little sister. We first met Henry and his family at kindergarten open house, and Gracie was a newborn then.

Alexandra, who used to go to Washington with Holden and his pals along with her brother, Sebastian:

We played Pin the Lightsaber on the Jedi. Didn't get a good shot of Luke Skywalker and all the lightsabers the kids tried to put in his hands (but we're hoping someone did - and will share!):

Evan, is Holden's friend Owen's little brother:

Alexandra and her mom, Sabine:

Logan playing Pin the Lightsaber. We had no place to hang up the poster, so Holden did a good job holding it for all his friends:

Brenny Boy-O:

R2-D2 put up a good fight ... but he was no match for these bat-wielding padwans:

The whole group:

McKenna, Maggie's youngest. She's Cool Beans:

School chum Tyler S.:

So, the best part, for me, about this whole pinata thing, was this: The kids swarmed the tons of goodies as they came spilling out, but Riley got a little trampled and couldn't push his way through. I found him in tears, crying that he barely got anything in his bag. Just then, Holden came up and started putting handfuls of toys and candy into Riley's bag. He explained that he saw his brother wasn't getting anything, so he grabbed extra for him. Riley's pout was replaced with a smile, but I almost started to cry!