Birthday Weekend, Part II

Sunday, April 15th dawned clear and beautiful. It was the absolute perfect day for a party filled with singing, dancing, and sheer joy. By popular demand, Lauren had the same kids performing group that did her party 2 years ago, Kids Imagine Nation. Back then, we had a gaggle of 4-year-olds entranced by Tinkerbell and dressed as fairies, remember? This time, however, we had trendy 6-year-olds in glam outfits, ready to get down. We were able to use the clubhouse at Norm's condo, which turned out to be a much better and more spacious location than the living room of our house. The room included a large kitchen, plenty of tables, a piano, and tons of room for the kids to run around. The rock star theme was appropriately enacted. With rock n' roll ducks on the tables. Not to mention a guitar piñata patiently hanging around for the party's end. While waiting for the party to get started, the birthday girl basked in the attention of her Pop-Pops. As the 16 girls arrived, they were ushered to an area where they could select bright twirling ribbons and adorn themselves with neon hair braids and stick-on jewels. Lauren was an incredible hostess and made every guest feel welcome. Reagan: Maya, Aliya, Harley and Ruby: Piper: Baby Celia: Who wanted nothing more than to hold the birthday girl's hand. Before the formal entertainment began, the girls had no trouble entertaining themselves. [Note my rockin' mom on the left livin' it up] Soon enough, it was showtime. Kids Imagine Nation, made up of Aaron, Rachel and Beatz, certainly did not disappoint. These folks really give it their all. A couple of snippets from the 40-minute show: [Note the outfit change, which was intentional, by the way] After working off all that energy, it was time for pizza, salad, and last but not least, the cake (with some cupcakes thrown in for good measure). Dream big, sweet girl. The party concluded with the proverbial bashing of the piñata (with the most appropriate instrument available to break it - one of Lauren's golf clubs). Along with their twirling ribbons and hair extensions, guests were given CDs we made of Lauren's current favorite songs so they could continue to rock it out. Then it was back to the house to open the mountains of gifts. Lauren is still writing thank yous (she's doing them all by herself this year), and our family room continues to be littered with gifts and opened cards (3 weeks later .... deep breaths, Dee), but I really think she had the best time ever. I want to continue the celebration all year long. 6 years old. It just keeps getting better and better. Love you, baby girl (hey, I can still call you that no matter how old you are).