My special birthday invitation

It's not every day that a child calls you up in the wee hours of the morning before she leaves for school, and says 

'Hey, Lauren?  Will you come to my birthday party and sleep over? And, you're not allowed to talk to my mama!'

But then again, this is not every child.

Being that Kate and I have had a strong bond ever since we first began our piano lessons together when she was a wee 4,  she gets a little frustrated with me on occasion, that I would actually choose to talk to the adults when she is in the room.  

Hence, for her birthday I promised to belong only to her.

I got there a bit early, as preparations were still under way.

I marveled at the pinata,

the fashionista cupcakes.

I rejoiced with her as the guests began to arrive.

I waited with Sarah for all the guests to get there,

since the nail salon had already begun.

I yelled loudly for the pinata to be smashed,

and sent my girl to the front to get my candy.

(Hey, she offered!)

I took the guest seat as she opened my gift

(of course, we can make that sidewalk chalk together!)

and exchanged weepy glances with Heather and Ash as the reality of the moment hit us:

this girl who has our hearts is getting mighty grown.

Afterward, I sighed with Heather as we looked at the remains of a good time.

And then, I stopped talking to her,
in order to fulfill my promise to the girl of the day:

A sleepover to beat all sleepovers, by special invitation.