One of the greatest things that ever happened to me was becoming an uncle. When I was 11, my first nephew David was born. I was over the moon. A year and a half later, my first niece Pattie was born. My Mother was so excited to have a grand-daughter who was named after her, Patricia Ann. Pattie and I were very close while she was growing up. I loved being an uncle. I enjoyed watching her grow up. Slowly this wonderful little person emerged. I have always enjoyed talking with her and letting her tell me anything she wanted.

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One day I was walking down the street holding her hand and we began having a very real conversation. She was 5 now and she told me she didn't like having her birthday in January because it was too cold out and she didn't get to have a birthday party outside like her brothers who were both born in July got to do. This was certainly a job for Uncle Wally. I asked her if she would like to throw a party at home and have it in her beautiful downstairs toy room. She was thrilled at the idea. So off to Party Needs we went!

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That first year, we decided on a "Mexican" theme. We completely transformed the room with colorful decoration and even a piñata of the number 6 hanging from the ceiling. The party was a hit. We continued to throw themed parties every year. One year was 'Hawaiian", the next year was a "Boat Cruise", "The 50's", "The Academy Awards" one year where "Ariel the Mermaid" showed up. One of our best years had the theme "Happy Birthday from Around the World" with a 50 dollar best costume prize. One little girl showed up early to the party in a complete geisha outfit. It was incredible! The decorations were the best we had ever done and we had delicious food from all different parts of the world.

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We had so much fun throwing these parites. We finally topped ourselves when we rented a hall when Pattie turned 13 and had a "Mardi Gras" theme with gold, purple and green decorations. Now that my niece in in her 30's I look back at the great times we had and remember how fun it was to celebrate her birthday on a cold, sometimes snowy January day in Waltham Massachusetts.

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