Toys- the new security threat

Yesterday, we had an early birthday party for Caitlyn at the local jumping gym. All of the kids enjoyed the bounce houses and mazes, and everyone liked the princess crowns and necklaces that Caitlyn chose to give her guests. Nine little preschoolers have A LOT of energy, and seeing them storm the place made me happy that someone else would be cleaning up after the party. Jason and I had so much fun watching our little girl play with her friends, and we were reminded once again of how quickly she is growing up!

Caitlyn received lots of wonderful presents from everyone who came. Once we got home, she and I set out to free the gifts from their excessive packaging- and this I just don't get. 

Every Christmas and birthday, Jason and I wage war on toy packaging. Plastic platforms, ties, cardboard, shrink wrap, braces and even screws fight us every step of the way, as we struggle to free Elmo, Barbie and Little People from their plastic prisons. 

What possible reason could there be to lock toys into their boxes so tightly? Is there some sort of Barbie theft ring hitting Target and Toys R Us, details of which have failed to hit CNN? Are terrorists using toys to smuggle WMD, prompting toy retailers to go to extreme measures to secure dolls and play sets? 

One of the gifts Caitlyn got yesterday was a PJ Sparkles doll. Caitlyn was fascinated by this toy and just couldn't wait to play with her, but alas, she had to wait 20 minutes for me to get the 3 inch tall doll out of the box. PJ had a wire around her neck, her waist, and feet. (And these are no ordinary wires- they are the super, industrial wires meant to hold together the space shuttle or substitute as an emergency lock for a safe deposit box.) Not only was PJ practically cemented to the box, her stage was held in by 3 wires and each accessory was wired, too. Her poor teddy bear was trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey- wire encircling each leg and arm, as well as his poor, pink neck.

We eventually freed the toys, staged a small celebration rally, and then gathered up the giant pile of discarded wrapping. Caitlyn happily spent the next hour playing her new toys, while Lorelei and I played with a box.

So, beware everyone. We've got a fresh batch of new toys on the loose at our house!