Yesterday we celebrated Sophie's 11th birthday. She just keeps growing up on us. I normally don't allow my kids to have birthday parties two years in a row, but last year after I got her owl party all planned we remembered that she had requested a Lion House party. They used to only host parties for 8-11 year olds, so I knew we'd have to do it this year if she was going to get one. When I went to their website to book it, the age had changed to 8-10. I felt so bad, but I told her I'd call and see how strict they were with that rule. Turns out they didn't care, so she was in luck! They were even very accommodating with the menu. They had given us the choice of turkey or tuna for lunch, so I called and asked if there was any other option, and they were happy to change it. Funny thing was the lady I worked with didn't think veggie sandwiches would be hearty enough, she thought we needed to PB&J to give them something substantial. The PB&J wasn't that good, but that's ok; they were so kind to help us out.
First things first, though! A couple months ago Sophie and her friend were "bored," and as they sat around thinking of ideas they decided to make blankets to donate to Primary Children's Hospital. They went door to door around the neighborhood asking for donations. Then they split up the money they earned and each went and purchased fabric. Then they got together again and made these blankets -- ALL ON THEIR OWN! The only thing I did was drive them to the store to buy fabric. And then they waited until Sophie's birthday when we'd be taking them to Salt Lake to deliver them. See what amazing things kids will do if you let them get a little bored.
Just to side track for a minute (since I'm thinking about it)... I know parents who stress about trying hard to make their house the "fun" house so that their kids friends will want to hang out there. I know my house will never be the fun house, because that's just not who I am. But I have been amazed at how much my children and their friends play at our home. I really believe they don't need junk food, video games, TV, endless toys. Just give them a peaceful environment and they will want to be here. So now I'll get off my soapbox and show you these amazing girls at the hospital.
Then it was on to The Lion House. We waited out front for a while for the guests to all arrive. A couple were a little late, so we had to start without them, but we were so happy when they showed up!
Once the party started they kept moving us back and forth between rooms (I think to keep the children from getting antsy, but these kids didn't need that). Our host told lots of stories about Brigham Young's life and pioneer time period.
We played "Button Button" and "Hide the Thimble," they got to write on a slate, and have a taffy pull.
They served us a little lunch (our PB&J).
And then we went outside to open gifts. Sophie had to close her eyes while the person giving her a gift disguised their voice. Sophie had to guess who it was before she could open then gift. Some of the kids were pretty good at fooling her!
Chloe got to spend some time with her very best friend. You don't think she's happy about that, do you?
Then it was back inside for cake! They gave Sophie the option of chocolate or white cake. She was having a hard time choosing, so I told her if she picked chocolate I'd have some. If she picked white I would pass. She made sure I got some cake. The baker hid a gum ball somewhere in the cake and everyone had to search their piece for it. No one at the party got it :( but we got to take the rest home, and Sophie ended up with the piece with the gum ball.
My daughter has some amazing friends. She is very lucky to get to know each one of these guys. Two of them came up to me at the party and told me it was the funnest party they had been to. And the host commented on how well behaved they were. They are just a good batch.
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