It's Been a Long Time

It has been a long time since I was young enough to have a real slumber party. But, I remember how my friends and I could hardly make it through the week, waiting for Friday night, so the fun could begin. Laiken and her friends have been planning this night for weeks now, sitting at lunch, discussing details of games, activities, even the kind of pj's they wanted to wear (pajamas with animal prints were the preferred attire). So, Friday after school, I picked up 6 giggling girls who piled into my car ready for the fun to begin. I was thinking, "I hope this night lives up to their expectations..." We had crafts, made cookies, played games, watched a movie, drank hot chocolate and, of course, ate way too many snacks, sweets, and pizza. The other moms kept asking me, "Are you sure you are up for this?" I laughed, not really knowing if I was, but looking forward to it just the same. I thought about all the nights of sleep my parents lost as they hosted mine and my brother's friends as we were growing up. My friends and Joe's friends always knew they were welcome and loved in our home and I have always been grateful to my parents for creating that kind of environment. After hosting Laiken's first slumber party, I can say that I could not have asked for the night to have gone any better! Her friends are such good, sweet girls and they all played, laughed, and talked long into the night.

A few surprises from the evening:

• We didn't get to all the activities that we had planned. The time went faster than I could have imagined it would.
• The girls were all about Nolan's toys. (Who could have guessed that toddler toys would be so interesting to 4th grade girls?)
• Girls will dig their hands into a container of flour just because it's there. I've never seen so much flour on a table. Needless to say, I threw away the flour left in my container and will be buying a new bag this week!
• Apparently, Joe Jonas is the most popular Jonas brother...

Thanks to all my mom friends who stopped by and called during the party and thanks for sharing your girls with us for the evening. We are looking forward to doing it again--as soon as I get a full night's sleep! :-)