I have three children with birthdays all together. September 12, 14, and the 20th.  So planning parties is always an interesting activity in it's self. My husband and I try to keep things interesting if only just for us. Three parties in row is a lot for an adult to take.  So last year we had a giant carnival for all three.  Did I mention they were turning 3,7, and 12.  Try entertaining a 12 year old and a 3 year old while keeping their 7 year old brother busy too.  We rented a jumping castle (big hit), had several stations set up to enjoy.  In the front yard we had the castle.  Along the side of the house my husband had the BBQ fired up to make sausages on a bun for the adults and to heat up the pogo dogs(corn dogs) for the kids. We borrowed an old fashioned popcorn machine from the kids school. Imagine the smell now. When the kids entered to backyard they could choose from ice shavers making snowcones (The local paper supply store has the paper cones cheap), face painting, and many games. We also borrowed from the school their games used during the annual spring fling.  For example we went fishing in the sand box for prizes, had a ring toss in one corner, tossed wet sponges at the clown in another area, and enjoyed the jar jamboree.  For goodie bags the children decorated lunch bags and filled them with the prizes they won at each activity ( all the Halloween candy is out then bonus!!). The best part was that our 12 year daughter and her friends were each in charge of an activity.  Yes we put them to work!  That way everyone was involved. The giant cake was adorned with three clowns (get the connection). We played loud carnival music and invited the neighbors. They seemed to enjoy it. Even the adults gave the jumping castle a try.  During present time and boy were there a lot of presents, the older girls got time to jump in the castle so not to bump into little people. All three children and their friends had a great time. Unfortunately it was a hard job to live up for the next year. This past year we took the little ones and their friends to the local fall fair while the now 13 year old and her friends went their own way in the midway.  As you can imagine no one turns down an invitation to Emma, Wade's, or Stephanie's parties. Is that good or bad? It was the best "party season" we have had so far.