A Different Type of Birthday Party

Children’s birthday parties are not “just” parties, but have become “EVENTS” in their lives. Think about your children or grandkids and the parties that have been their celebration” The two hours at the “Gymboree”, the climbing spot, Chuck-E-Cheese or a reasonable facsimile” The indoor (or outdoor) trampoline space, miniature golf a/k/a pee-wee golf and during the summer months, Santa’s Village , bowling or one of the water parks. Since most of the kids travel in what we call social groups, and these groups are ten or more kids, the odds are that during the “birthday scene”, duplications will take place.

My kids, in an effort to do something that no-one in their social group has before, for the youngest of my grand-kids, Rebecca had a party that was truly one-of-a-kind (at least as of yet). They rented the social hall at The Northbrook Sports Complex, in of all places, Northbrook. Yes they had table snacks and cup-cakes with the traditional singing of Happy Birthday. They even had a D.J. where the 20 plus young girls who attended did “hula-Hoop” and “Limbo” with. While Ryan and Adam did a great job (let it ne known these boys are only 11 and kept over 20 5 and 6 -year- old girls contented for about an hour, it was the “main event” that held the audience speechless- Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles!

What a terrific experience! Chris Boerema was our leader ( Dave DiNaso and Jeremy Taulbee are the other two members of this ensemble of reptile leaders) who spoke to each and every person in the audience as if he were leading them on a safari as well as educating them on the different types of reptiles and how they survive in life. We met a huge tortoise, several snakes, an amazing tarantula, lizards and more. Rebecca, being the “birthday Girl” was brought up to meet each and every reptile and Chris had her holding, petting and being kissed by same with no fear on her part (or that of any of the reptiles either). Chris brought each and every one of his reptiles to the kids for them to get a close up look at and pet, if they chose to. No child was asked to do anything that they were uncomfortable with. The same  was true for the adults/parents in the room as well. By the way, the kids were easier to educate than the older people.

Chris even brought up Rebecca’s sister, Sarah and brother Adam to have them participate and hold some of the snakes, in particular, to show the kids that these are not animals to fear. It was a surprise to learn that all of the animals (reptiles) that Chris brought to the party were his. Yes, these are his pets as well as his career and he on two occasions, had little side conversations with them to make sure they understood that they were to do what they are supposed ot do and not scare any of the audience members. It was sort of like watching a parent take their child aside in a crowded assembly or restaurant, have a heart-to-heart and then return with a much better behaved child. I kid you not! This was amazing!

I must tell you that this was one of the best parties I have been to in all my years as a parent and grandparent. I think I have had every type of enjoyable birthday party that one can anticipate, but this one truly made my day! I watched all these little girls and their siblings who stayed on to watch (along with many parents who did likewise) have a ball. This will be a special day in their minds and hearts for years to come. To fond out more about this unique opportunity, visit www.travelingworldofreptiles.com, call 1-888-SLITHER (1-888-754-8437) or dave@travelingworldofreptiles.com. I am interested in how your party went, so let me know.