Lunatic Fringe: Layla Turns 6!

One problem with going back and blogging about things that happened months ago is sometimes you forget things. Big things. Like your oldest daughter's 6th birthday party. I blame it on getting old.

Layla turned 6 on March 28, 2012. We gave her several options for her birthday party, and she chose a small sleepover party at our house. I kid you not it was the most exciting thing that ever happened to her.

She literally counted down the days over a month in advance. Before we sent out invitations she would spend time writing and rewriting the list of friends she was inviting. After the invites went out she turned her focus to planning the party. She surveyed all of her friends that were coming to decide what would be the best flavor of cupcakes and frosting to serve, and what toppings to order on the pizza. We went through a list of a dozen crafts before deciding on the perfect one. Chose party games that everyone could enjoy. Picked out the pajamas she would wear a week ahead to make sure they were clean. She had everything figured out.

We made tee shirts, played "pin the sunglasses on Barbie", Twister, ate pizza, had cupcakes, and opened presents. The gifts were perfect (something tells me the girls asked Layla what she wanted at school), and she came away with a couple of new Barbies and lots of arts and crafts. Then pajamas and a movie (Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2... a classic) and off to bed. Sort of.

The girls were all sleeping in Layla's room, but two of them had to sleep on an air mattress on the floor and one could sleep in bed with Layla. Oh, the drama of deciding who got to sleep with the birthday girl! 45 minutes later I was ready to separate them into different rooms when Layla miraculously reached a decision. I only had to go back into the room 80 times to solve petty problems and tell them to go to sleep. By 11:15 they were finally out.

At 6:30 the next morning they were up and giggling. Fortunately I didn't keep them around long enough for the joy of waking up in a room with three friends to wear off. We had cinnamon swirl french toast for breakfast and everyone was gone by 10. Lay crashed and burned around noon but was in a decent enough mood to go to Easter High Tea with Ryan that afternoon. Sort of.

We are so proud of Layla, who has grown into such a smart, talented, loving girl and an incredible big sister. I am lucky to have a daughter who is so full of life. She is more helpful every day, and I am constantly amazed at the things she can accomplish. She is a talented artist and a phenomenal gymnast. She is a good friend and a great daughter. I love you Layla Joy. Always and forever.