Favorite Birthday Party Memories

As I was typing the post about Reily's birthday party, it got me thinking about my favorite birthday party memories...of course, Reily probably won't remember this birthday, but at least he'll have the pictures and the stories behind them once he gets older! All of my memories are a little fuzzy...

I remember seeing pictures of my 1st or 2nd birthday party at my Grandma and Grandpa Schaal's house. I was told that I put my fingers in the flame of the candle and cried...

I remember seeing pictures of another birthday party, which must have been my 3rd birthday party because we still lived in Breckenridge and all of my day care friends were lined up on the couch, and I was in the middle wearing a crown...

I remember another birthday party at a pizza place like Chuck-e-Cheese in Tucson...I was so shy that when everyone sang happy birthday to me, I crawled under the table because I didn't like being the center of attention.

I remember one of my birthday parties at the roller skating rink, and specifically remember doing the YMCA on roller skates...I must have been 6 or so?

I remember one of my birthday parties at a bowling alley with all of my little friends...and we used bumpers and thought we were so cool. I think that may have been the one when I turned 8...but I'm not sure.

Speaking of that...I remember when my mom passed away right before my 8th birthday, people were bringing us food and someone brought a lemon cake and I said (even though I knew it wasn't for me) that it was for my birthday...they said "No, it's not." Since then, I've never liked lemon cake or desserts. Interesting, huh?

I remember that my Dad took me on a Caribbean cruise right after my 10th birthday...now that was a great way to celebrate!

I got a red convertible for my 16th birthday...doubt that will happen for my boys, but you never know! :)

Since then, Hans and I have shared most of our birthday parties, since we're both October babies...and it's so wonderful to share the celebration with the love of my life!

I still stand by my claim that you don't realize how wonderful and amazing birthdays are until you've witnessed the birth of your own child and that moment is permanently seared into your memory.

And I wonder what birthday memories Isaac and Reily will remember when they're "old" and have kids of their own...

What's your favorite birthday memory? I need some ideas to keep things interesting next year! :)