From: LLDiva@aol.com
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2000 04:41:43 EDT
Subject: 13 year olds
To: balloon@balloonhq.com

I haven't done a party for 13-year-olds yet but let me tell you what I do at 
the restaurants I work at.  When I see a kid about this age, I say, "Well, 
I'm not going to even mention the simple stuff, because I can tell you want 
to be impressed.  I'll just tell you about the really cool stuff."  

Now this cool stuff isn't really much harder than the simple stuff, and can 
include stuff like rocket mice, jumping frogs, hats, etc. - the point is it's 
just not the usual puppies and kitties.  At a party I would definitely bring 
yo-yos and any game that is loud or requires a little skill to get just 
right.  Also, hats in their team colors go over really big, as well as any 
sports things you can make.  Try hockey sticks and a 5-inch round for a puck 
like was already mentioned (great idea).

Have fun at this party - this age group can be lots of fun if you remember 
(as some have said before) to treat them not as children but as young adults. 
 They really want to be grown up but at the same time they are willing to cut 
loose and have some fun.

In case you want to know, here are instructions for above-mentioned mice and 
frogs. Can't give credit for these (sorry) because they were hand-me-downs 
but I just love them.  

Rocket Mice from Mars:
Inflate 260 about 6 inches (same as for regular mouse).
1-inch bubble for face
two 1-inch bubbles for ears (I pinch twist these to make them look cooler)
Leave the rest free.
To use:  Hold lightly in one hand and pull uninflated end of balloon with the 
other.  Let go.  Duck to miss the mouse falling down from the ceiling.

Jumping frogs:
Inflate 260 about 6 inches 
1-inch bubble.
Raisin twist that 1-inch twist into two twists for eyes.
2-inch bubble for body (I also draw the mouth on the body right under the 
eyes)
Divide the rest in half and pinch twist each bubble (approximately 2 inches) 
for feet.  
Twist uninflated balloon around feet a couple of times.
Let uninflated balloon hang down between feet and shoot it like you would the 
rocket mouse.  

Laura a/k/a Daisy the Clown 
Ballon Divas in Denver