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Posted on Mon, Aug 3, 2009 : 9:30 a.m.

A MAG-nificent place for a birthday party

By Jen Eyer

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Any remaining reservations I had about hosting Belle's birthday party at Michigan Academy of Gymnastics instead of at home disappeared as soon as we walked in the door.

The party was Saturday, and it couldn't have gone better. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Stephanie, our instructor for the event, had everything under control. And that was exactly what I needed.

For the first hour of the party, Stephanie led the girls through a series of activities in the gym. First they warmed up and did some exercises, then they went through an obstacle course, jumped on the big trampoline, climbed the rope, and finished with the low and high balance beams.

The girls had a blast, and the parents enjoyed watching them; they're all flailing arms and legs, and unpointed toes, and it's too cute.

After the gym portion, she shepherded them into the lobby, where they put on their princess dresses, had snacks, colored and played "telephone," one of their favorite games from Daisy Scouts. Then we had cake and ice cream, and it was time for presents.

Stephanie ushered them back into the gym, where she had a big foam block for Belle to sit on, and carpet squares surrounding it for the rest of the girls. Just as I started looking around for something to write with, so I could keep track of presents, Stephanie handed me a clipboard with a pen and fresh sheet of paper. That's how it was — she was a step ahead of me the whole time.

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With each present, Stephanie had the giver come up and sit next to Belle as she opened it, which made the moment more special. As an aside, I favor having the guest of honor open their presents at the party. I think the kids really enjoy seeing their present opened, and I think it's valuable for them to experience someone else being in the spotlight. It's probably Belle's favorite part of any party; she's always right there watching until the last present is opened.

While Belle opened gifts, Stephanie cleaned the lobby (and reprimanded parents for helping). After the presents were opened, it was time for gift bags and then it was over.

It was clear that the girls thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, during the telephone game, three of the five messages that went around the table were about how great the party was. Hats off to Stephanie and MAG!

Jen Eyer is on the Community Team at AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at 734-623-2577 or jeneyer@annarbor.com, or you can visit her at the first floor office at 301 East Liberty.

Comments

miradee4

Tue, Aug 4, 2009 : 5:09 p.m.

We actually wanted to do our daughter's 4th bday coming in October at a gymnastic place around here, so I'll look into this one. I went to Gym America's website before. We've done Chuck E Cheese twice (not fun) and the U of M Natural History Museum (awesome).

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