Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Lauren's actual birthday fell on Wednesday, April 13th. Since her party was the prior weekend, at first we weren't planning anything extraordinary. In fact, the only item on the agenda she had requested was to bake a Big Top Cupcake.

But then we found out her girl cousins were still going to be in town and with an idea planted by Nana, decided to invite the girls to spend the night at our house. It was to be Lauren's Very. First. Sleepover. A very big deal indeed.

After lunch, while Lauren was still at school, the girls and I did a little retail therapy. When we returned, the newest 5-year-old was eagerly waiting in a birthday crown her class had made for her.



Hugs all around, then down to business decorating the Big Top Cupcake I had baked earlier that day. There were no frosting or sprinkles rules imposed. Nope. Lauren completely directed the cake decor with her more than willing accomplices.





Looks pretty spot on when compared to the picture on the box, no? ;)



Then it was time to head next door so Jess could get a lacrosse lesson from neighbor Ryan.



While the other girls watched and played games.



Back in for Chinese take out, cake and a rousing rendition of the Happy Birthday song.



Followed by a little freestyle dancing to burn off the sugar.



Then a dip in the spa - the inaugural use of it since last summer.





A late bedtime for the birthday girl. Wow was she thrilled to be sharing her room with Ally, and to have Jess and Steph right next door.





Even the moon got in on the celebratin' by shining particularly bright that night.



Safe to say it was a birthday our family will treasure forever.