I was planning my children’s birthday parties before they were even conceived. I did the math and knew I had to get pregnant in the fall if I wanted summer babies. And, I wanted summer babies so that we could have the quintessential summer birthday parties — outdoors. I had visions of opening presents on a blanket spread on the lawn, a pool full of kids in arm floaties and goggles, a pinata hanging from the old maple tree, horsehoes clinking, grill sizzling with hot dogs.

Dan and I both come from families of five and all but one of our siblings live in town. There are 30 people in our immediate family. Add in some close aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends and you’ve got 50 people. Which is exactly many are invited to Casa Cass on Friday night for our daughters’ birthday party. (You see now why it was so important for me to shoot for summer birthdays — imagine 50 people in your house in February -- my sister-in-law, Cindy, can tell you all about it).

Yes, I succeeding in sticking to the schedule and giving birth to summer babies. Both of my daughters were born in July and their birthdays are just 12 days apart. Which means, they share one big birthday party. This joint party is easier on them (no squabbling or tears over one getting gifts and the other sister not getting gifts), our family (they only have to come to one party) and me (the one who does all -- OK, most of -- the work).

My husband is the only one who thinks we should have two separate parties -- but that's because my husband "Good Time Dan" loves a party. They're great fun for him because his entire pre-party preparation consists of mowing the lawn and buying the beer.

I, however, have been shopping since last weekend and I’m still not done — food, cake, presents, party favors, decorations, princess crowns, ice cream, balloons — it’s ridiculous, really. I became overwhelmed at Party City last night trying to choose favors for each kid (boys and girls from ages 10 to 4 mos.) and decided to forgo favors altogether. And, once I went down that road, it was easy to quickly cast aside the pinata and party games too — both would just mean more expense and more shopping. Normally I'm a gal who likes shopping, but not for hot dog buns, napkins, plastic cutlery and condiments.

So, I took tomorrow and Friday off to finish party preparations and clean the house. I've got princess dresses to press, pool floats to blow up, veggies to chop, a turkey to smoke, chocolate-covered pretzel rods to make and presents to wrap -- and a day-and-a-half to pull it all together.