31 Things I learned in 2009-Day 22

What I learned: WHEN INVITED TO "EXCITING" KID'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES (LIKE AT CHUCK E CHEESE) DO NOT BRING BOOKS AS GIFTS!!

How I learned it: Stacey invited us to Nico's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Very exciting place, lots of noise, things to do, crazy stuff going on. Tons of presents wrapped up and just waiting until we finish playing and eating pizza to unwrap. Birthday boy hyped up on video game adrenaline, chocolate cake and prizes. Well meaning Aunt who knows that Nico LOVES Barack Obama, so she buys him an age appropriate book about the President. (Seriously...this kid sings made up songs about Barack Obama and when asked what his favorite movie is answers, "the Barack Obama party" AKA The Inauguration.) The time comes to open gifts and he gets tons of great toys. In fact, he opens toy after toy with much excitement. Then comes the Aunt Cissy gift. All wrapped up in a red polka dot bag with lots of ribbon and green tissue paper. He rips into the bag, pulls out one book and tosses it on the ground. Then pulls out the second book. Looks at me with a very mad expression and tosses the second book on the ground. Dives back into the bag, finds nothing but more tissue paper. Proceeds to get really pissed and sits under the table and sulks. Good job Aunt Cissy! Next year he gets Legos!