Little bear at a party

Little bear went to a party this morning.  He was not too keen initially.  On one hand there were going to be a lot of girls, and little bear is growing up to be very much a boy who plays with boys.  He is fine with girls, but he plays games that involve superheros and aliens and monsters.  He is not keen on the whole 'princess' stuff.  On the other hand it was not going to be at a soft play centre, and was therefore the first time he had been to a party that wasn't at a soft play.  The little girl's parents had very bravely hired a hall.  However, we managed to get him there. 

First there was zumba.  Little bear had never done zumba.  He was obviously sceptical.  But he joined in the completely age appropriate moves, sliding and waving and having a great time.  The parents had got a professional in and she was really good.  Then there was the food, which little bear graciously ate quantities of.  Then there was pass the parcel and he quite enjoyed that, it was arranged that all the kids got a small packet of sweeties in the layers of the wrapping paper, it was great fun.  Then it was 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey'.

Little bear didn't want to do it.  He was not impressed, he was not joining the line, he was going to eat the sweets he got from pass the parcel and stay near mum.  He watched carefully as the other kids too their turn in the nearest line (there were two lines going) and in the end, when the little girl's mummy asked him if he was sure that he didn't want a turn, little bear decided that upon reflection that he would have a go at this Donkey business.

What actually had happened was that little bear had carefully observed all the other children taking part, worked out how to do it to the best advantage and then squinted through the eye-mask.  He won - a small bag of sweeties, but a tactical triumph. 

I would like to add that I completely admire the little girl's parents who did a marvellous job and all the kids had a great time.  For little bear's next birthday, I have considered what they went through and I am resolved - definitely soft play!