Kev, no one should allow themselves to be "forced". It's your birthday. Did anyone bother to ask you what you want to do? It's about you, not them. If it was me, I'd rather go out with friends and family for drinks and food at a nice bar. Then, you don't have to worry about kids being there. Besides, birthday parties are for kids anyway.
I said "forced" slightly in jest, as I was basically talked into it, but I am fine with it. Calling it a birthday party is probably an exaggeration, as it is more of just a party more than anything. And the friend's house is huge and very much of a party house (he throws a yearly party there - with family, friends and neighbors - and it is always a blast); huge upstairs and the finished downstairs has a bar, pool table, dart board, weight room, man cave, etc. Him agreeing to let us have it there was a big part in me agreeing to it in the first place, since I know it will be more of a regular party than anything, which is fine, as I don't need or want all of the focus on me all damn night.
Going out to bars really isn't my thing anymore, as I rarely drink anymore. Even at this upcoming shindig, I don't plan on drinking much and have already told several friends to not even think about making me shots; I won't do them.
Anyway, I have already talked to several couples, who have small kids, who will be coming to this, and none of them have a problem at all with the no kids thing, so I don't see foresee it being an issue at all.
If it's a party that you specifically don't want any kids at, what'sthe harm in asking your brother to keep his kids away too? Especially if you already see them several times a week anyway.
Trust me, if my nephew and niece knew there was a big party for me - and there is no way they won't know about it - and they didn't get to go, they would be shattered. What can I say, they love their Uncle Kevin.
b) I don't think it is fair to have my friends and family bringing a bunch of kids to wreck his house when he is nice enough to let us use it.
You either have a low opinion of kids, or your friends' kids are a bunch of unruly brats
Neither. Well, there might be some brats in there...
I think that it's great that you're thinking about the individual who's place you're having it at. There is nothing wrong with having an exception to the no kids rule. My Wife didn't want any kids at our Wedding except those related. We were upfront with our guests, and everyone seemed to be okay with it. I'm sure your friends will be as well, especially with more than enough notice to make babysitting arrangements.
Yep. It is 5 1/2 weeks away, so plenty of time to make plans if need be.