It must vary by state to state, then, Ali. Here in Oregon, you can only do it for religious reasons. And they don't just blindly accept it, either. Someone at the old preschool I hated (always have to get that in there) that Colin went to tried to use the religious excuse, and someone from the appropriate agency, whoever that was, grilled her about what her religion was, religious beliefs, etc. It became apparent that she had no clue what she was talking about when it came to religion, and her child had to get a pile of shots before they could go to school.
Today was Caitlin's birthday, and she's been singing Happy Birthday to herself all day long. She's told anyone we've come within a few feet of that it is her birfday and she's "tree" today.
I was contemplating the cake making thing today, too. I figured next year I'll get on the ball and go buy the figures they want for their cakes and make them, and it should be cheaper. But the figures alone cost 1/2 the price of what I paid for the cake, and to make a really good cake, it would probably be more than the cost. DH agreed, but said at least it would taste a lot better. Their cakes were much prettier than I could ever have come close to, but boxed cake mix would probably have tasted better.