How Important is a 3rd Birthday?

I've been debating for quite a few months on whether or not to have an actual party for the boys birthday next month.  We celebrated their first two birthdays with cake & family and close friends, and I'm not sure if 3 is the age to start having parties.

The boys attended their first party this weekend at Monkey Joes (inflatable bounce houses/slides).  Cooper played with all the kids and had a blast.  Carter started it off with a bang...in his diaper...and all over his pants...all before we even walked in.  He then preceded to refuse to play with anyone and threw tantrum after tantrum.  I'm just glad the hubby was around to help!!

Can I just tell you how awkward it was around the other parents from daycare!  Since I drop the boys off at 0555 & pick them up at 1930, I never see any of the other parents in their classroom.  Some of the parents recognized the boys while other said they've never seen them before.  I thought I might have something to talk to people about, since at least one of the parents works at the hospital, but no.  Maybe I just don't know how to interact with people in a social setting.  We'll save that for another post.

I've asked some people from work and their opinions vary as well.

Do I have a small "party" with the few adult friends I have or invite some of the kids from daycare & co-workers kids to a party at the house with food & other activities.

I'm still debating on whether or not to make the cake or just order one.  The boys are really into Spider-Man right now, so it would be easy to order cakes....but I kind of enjoy making the cake.  After seeing how awful Carter was this weekend, I can say that a destination party is out!  If I did have one, I would have it at the house.

Am I putting too much thought into this?