We skipped the expensive birthday venue. Our muddy backyard was better for 90 kids.

The author hosted over 80 people at her place for her son's birthday. Courtesy of the author We skipped the expensive play-place birthday party and hosted our son's fifth birthday at home instead. We let him invite everyone he wanted, and nearly 100 people RSVP'd. Rain turned our unfinished backyard into a giant mud pit, but we leaned into the chaos. "Hey, great party!" a parent laughed while wiping mud off their daughter's happy face. My own grin stretched wide as I thanked them for coming…