birthday party play by play by play

I have to admit...I really, truly had fun hosting Lorraine's sleepover this weekend.

I was a little worried at first.
You see, I had plenty of planned activities. Or so I thought.

They ran in the door all excited. I told them they had to work for their cake, so I sent them off to the basement to hunt for Rainy-pictures.  They loved that game, and Lorraine was only a little embarrassed by the pirate picture. (She's a good sport.)

They ate the cake, and nobody seemed to notice that it was leaning (other than my husband, of course.)

Note to self, if you make this cake again, make each layer out of 1/3 box of mix, not 1/2. Those pieces were just too big!

Next, present opening.

can I see?

We spun the bottle to see whose turn it was to give her a present. (The boys were still here for this part. When the bottle pointed to Marcus, I told him since he didn't have a present for her, he ought to give her a big sloppy birthday kiss!  He didn't like my idea.)

So we had done our first game, eaten cake, and opened presents.  And what time was it?

only 3:20!!!

This is when I started to worry.
Thank the good Lord, it was beautiful outside. So we went to the park.

That's a good place for pudgy bunny.
Pudgy Bunny is a game that was much more fun in my memory. GAG!!!
(Note to self: don't do this one again!)

The girls also played tag, volleyball, and even football while we were at the park! 

Next, back to the house for game #3: DRAMA BAGS!

(I have to credit pinterest for that one. )

What a  fun idea!  I broke the girls up into groups of 3 and gave each group a bag with random props in it. Their job was to make up a short play using the props. They LOVED this game! 

Hunter Mack on the Scooter. Captured Lorraine behind.

Don't mess with Hope the robber!

Next, pizza. Then, they ran wild while I cleaned up the kitchen.

Then, we did this craft. (Sandpaper crayon T-shirts- another pinterest idea!)



They seemed to think I was going to tell them it was time for PJs and a movie next. (It was dark outside.)

Instead, I told them we had another activity, but only for the very brave... "Who wants to go to the park in the dark?!"

(They almost knocked me over with the happy screaming.)

Monkeys at night.

We looked at the stars, played tag, which turned into zombie tag, and then headed to the tree house.

Running down that hill, of course, turned into rolling down the hill.

I finally thought they were tired enough to being to settle down to a movie. Milkshakes made, and two movies later, the house was quiet. (around 12:30)

They were up again at 6:30am!

Grammy Pammy's fresh energy was a true blessing, especially in the morning. While I drank my coffee and wondered what I had been thinking, she played games with the girls.

"Have you ever ever ever in your long-legged life met a long-legged sailor and his long-legged wife?"

(sorry, parents, if you have had to hear this repeatedly since your kids have been home.)

They also loved the Good Question Game!



Weird conversations came out of this one, like, "Wouldn't a watermelon hand look weird with a wedding dress?" "NO it would not! Watermelon goes with everything!"

I threw some pancakes at them.
Then, Tickle- Monster (another thanks for Grammy's help with this one! I might have been overcome!)

And "Doggy doggy where's your bone?"

what a poker face, marcus!

Then they packed up their things and had one last frolic outside!

We went back into the park, and they suddenly reminded me of boys, digging in the mud, talking about how things smelled like poop, and daring each other to try to eat those slimy discoveries.
(Don't worry parents, nobody ate anything.)

Then, we had a  quick photo shoot. (moms, I will email you the link for the full album!)

They were all gone by ten.  I am pretty sure I told all the mothers about the t-shirt craft we made and how it should be washed separately the first time, but if I didn't, I'm sorry, and I'm telling you now.

That afternoon, I took a three hour nap. 

Happy Birthday Lorraine!

PS Rumor has it that I am the "Coolest mom ever."

If my fans insist on this level of fun more than once a year, I will be looking to bestow that title upon whatever other mother would like it...