Taking time to enjoy what's going on in your Sims' lives is way more fun than simply rushing through. You might as well, just hit the fastest key >>> and let the game just fly by as you watch. So glad you tried another way and are enjoying it. This is also how people get attached to their Sims which does allow them to stick with that family.
Sadly, the most recent birthday party I threw in-game, was a total and complete failure. I may go ahead and do a game repair, as I couldn't get either the father or the mother to help their wee one blow out the candles. With all of the falderol going on, or I should say not going on as my Sim seemed glued to the floorboards, the timer ran out on the Event. I had to age up the kid, instead. So not the same.
