Seven!

I hate birthday parties. Especially ones that I host. I usually start thinking "when will this be over" approximately 5 minutes after it starts.

That being said- after today, I might just change my mind! We had Amira's 7th (7th!?!?!) birthday party today and it was actually amazing. Amira has been planning this party since about 15 minutes after her 6th birthday party ended and about two months ago when we really did have to start thinking about it, I was already dreading the whole thing when I had a brainstorm: Why not call my friend, whose daughter, one of Amira's close friends, is in Amira's class and also turns 7 in December and make a joint party.

The Birthday Girls!

We would invite the same girls anyway, and this way we could split the cost and the girls would have one less party on their already packed Sundays. She loved the idea and we researched and rejected a bunch of different ideas (a ballet party at Amira's ballet studio would cost over $1000 for 25 girls, not including food! Bowling- too noisy...crafts- too much work for us) and ended up hiring the most amazing storyteller to run the party. She came with suitcases filled with a ton of different costumes and put on a show using each of the kids. Amira was the wicked witch, her co-birthday party friend was a princess, and there were knights (female) woods girls, more princesses, a bunch of queens, some wood animals and prince charming (also female- and a very good sport, I must say!).

I am still a little shocked to be saying this, but it was amazing. The girls were sweet, good natured, well behaved, participated beautifully, followed directions easily, and were just a pleasure. A 2 hour party literally flew by, and I actually was surprised to find myself thinking we should have made it longer.

Listening intently to the directions

The Princess and the Wicked Witch

The Wicked Witch

(who still got to wear makeup since a glamorous wicked witch is the best kind!)

The sister Princesses

The Wood Animals

The Woods Girls

Yehuda and Yaakov

The Queens and Knights

The Greatest Girls!

So all in all- a complete success of a party!

I am very happy that it is over, and was such a success, and really and truly cannot believe that my daughter is actually seven.

If you might indulge me a few moments to wax nostalgic...

From this:

Amira, age 4 months

To this:

Amira, age 7

I honestly don't know how the past 7 years have flown by so quickly, but we are so, so proud of our big girl and look forward to watching her continue to grow and learn and make us all proud, Ad Meah V'Esrim.