Par-Tay

Monday was one of our chore days. We spend those days doing several chores, which leaves other days open for field trips. I did take the girls to a Magic Show at the local library that afternoon. Always, always check your local library for those sort of things. We went to several in Sherwood, many years ago. I have to say many years because we disappeared for a bit when Fiona was ill. I did have the distinct privilege of watching my 4 year old pet a rattlesnake at one! EW!

Anyway, Tuesday was a fun day and we literally made it a party. One of our absolutely favorite families at church is moving away at the end of the month. We are so very much going to miss them. Anyway, the mom told me that her daughter was really bummed about being gone for her 8th birthday and the baptism it entails in our church. We had previously asked her to come over and play today, so last night Buttercup and I dreamed up a surprise party for her.

It was kind of a bummer this morning because we had planned a beach/pool party and it was a monsoon today! So, we just decided to move it indoors.

She arrived a few hours before our other guests, so we hung out until they got here, at which time Buttercup corralled everyone in the back of the house while I raced around putting some decorations up and getting presents and cake out.

Boy was she surprised!

I was pretty lucky not to have to scramble. We have a running joke about how Mom always has something in the back. This also includes presents that I get rather cheaply during the year, usually at Target clearance racks. I buy stuff and put it in the bins for just such an emergency.
I made some cupcakes this morning and some of the frosting I refer to on the side of the blog. It is always SO good.
Then we decided to play our indoor games. One of my old family favorites is called Don't Eat Freddy. You make a paper that looks sort of like a Bingo card and put something in each square. Normally it's M&Ms but a couple of our girls didn't like the peanut ones, so I got out chocolate chips.
Then, you send one person out of the room. While they are gone, you label (in your head) one of the squares, Freddy. Then you let the person back and have them eat a goody out of each square. Once they picked up the right goody, everyone screams, " Don't eat Freddy!"
It was a fun time and I think the birthday girl really enjoyed it. I hope she did. We are going to miss her entire family.