Also does Amazon deliver to the lake house or have delivery lockers nearby? I think at that age I adored all the dumb plastic accoutrements of birthdays – can you solve the packing problem with a big box awaiting of kazoos, super balls, streamers, confetti, balloons (the big inflatable punching ball ones were a massive hit at a party I recall)

For fun activities – is there something your kid would enjoy that leans into the lake house thing/activities that are only possible because it’s summer: silly string, glitter body paint, water balloon fight, greased watermelon polo

Second the scavenger hunt: my mom did that for my elementary school birthdays and it is such a good memory (with the cake hidden at the end)

You’re not alone, I recognize this poster all the time too! I think she lives in DC/VA and is South Asian. The writing style triggers me as well.

I would invite her to read up on Linda Sarsour’s take. Basically – a vote is not an endorsement so much as deciding who you would rather bargain with as an activist. Who do you think will give the pro Palestinian movement more attention and consideration – Trump or Harris?

Too many people think of votes as endorsements. Instead, as an activist (presumably) she should take as a given that all politicians will disappoint.

My grandparents had all passed, and we both have small families. For our 25 ish person wedding, we had our parents, our immediate siblings, their spouses and kids if any, and a friend or two each. If your daughter seriously wants to elope instead, typically people do only a best friend or only parents, maybe with a larger backyard/restaurant party at another time.

It sounds like you’re including your siblings and their families (the bride/groom’s aunts and uncles). Basically they can’t be invited if she really wants a small wedding. If she/he are close with one particular aunt/uncle or one particular cousin, they could be invited but at risk of causing bad will. You know your family best.

No specific recommendations, just that if you haven’t driven with a trailer before, make sure you practice backing up ahead of time! Ask me how I know….

She may have to choose between having the tiny wedding she wants, and not hurting anybody’s feelings. My advice would be “stick to what you want — they’ll get over it.”