{NO} Sleepover...

So after we finished up our day filled with all things American Girl, we headed home to keep the party going. Emersyn and I went on a date in April to plan her birthday and she named three things that she wanted:

1. A trip to the American Girl store 

2. Ears pierced 

3. Slumber party

and as nervous as I was about a house filled with squealing little girls, I also know that one of my fondest memories is my own slumber party in the first grade. So away we went... we spent the afternoon "setting up" which included putting my mirror in the play room for their makeovers, setting up the cake and plates, and assembling the fort. 

And that's it because I'm old school. 

Emmy decided that Chic Fil A trumped pizza so they stuffed their faces with some nuggets and soda and then we headed outside to play non-organized games. ;)

I just wanted one group photo before everyone went wild and y'all... 

THEY ARE SO DARN CUTE!

I mean when a group of girls can put that smile on your daughter's face - you know you've hit the jackpot. 

You may notice that one kiddo looks a little older. Well, you're right. Sweet Kourtney (far left) is the old sister of Kara (orange tank) and Emmy ADORES her. A.DORES.HER. And she asked me to ask their mom is Kourtney could/would come. I told her that I would certainly ask but that since Kourtney is heading in to the 6th grade and Kara and Emmy are just in 2nd grade, she may have other things that she wants to do. 

Y'all. She not only came, but she played and laughed and goofed off and was such a delight. Let's all raise up some Kourtney's in this world because what a blessing!

They basically just did a whole lot of nothing.

And it was awesome!

By the time the sun went down, they were ready for makeovers. I was able to take one picture and then they made me leave because they wanted me to be surprised for "the show."

Worth.the.wait. They are clearly tigers and put on a "tiger show" for me choreographed to, you guessed it, Eye of the Tiger. 

A couple hours and 183 makeup wipes later and they were (mostly) cleaned off and ready for some cake. I loved listening to their discussions, at one point, Emmy got nervous about something she was doing and said, "but I don't want y'all to laugh at me." and Kara responded with, "Emmy, we're your best-friends, we've never laugh at you."

They ended the night hanging out with Frankie and Johnny, settling in to the fort and sleeping the night away. 

I couldn't be more thankful for the sweet friends that God has gifted my children. They had the best time and made our sweet girl feel so loved and that is the best gift any of us could ever receive. 

Our American Girls...

Emersyn has a pretty big birthday coming up - maybe not in numbers but in significance. She turns 7 on the 7th which means this is her GOLDEN BIRTHDAY! She's been planning this "event" for what seems like forever and I really wanted to make sure that we were able to do the things that just made her happy and feel loved. So we kicked off the celebration by heading to Houston with her bestie and I was so excited that Gigi could come along for the ride!

Destination of choice.. American Girl.

Agenda? Nothing but to have fun with the bestie.

Done and done.

'

We seriously arrived and neither one was sure of what they wanted to do so they walked around and looked at everything and decided they wanted this playhouse at home.

They finally decided that Julie and Clarabelle needed their hair done and ears pierced.

Check and check.

The plan was to also get Emmy's ears pierced - she's been talking about it for MONTHS. Well, the plan changed at some point and she and Anna decided they wanted to do it together on Anna's upcoming birthday. (I mean, it wasn't like I had already bought her earrings to open or anything.) 

This is the face of a little girl that is having the best day ever and a momma that has a full heart watching her girl have the best day ever. 

They left with shiny new hair, fancy new earrings and a sweet pair of new shoes each. I mean, what is better than fresh hair and new shoes y'all? Nothing. Nothing is the answer. 

We made our way "inside" the mall and I was letting them know to keep me on track because we were in a "real" mall. They wanted to know what that meant and I almost felt guilty letting them know that real malls contained much more than that of the Post Oak variety.

The plan was to grab a bite to eat and then head back to CS - I let them pick whatever they wanted - as in WHATEVER they wanted to eat. I told them all about The Cheescake Factory and delicious goodness that awaits them in those doors. 

They picked McDonald's and Taco Bell. 

Ha!

We lucked out and missed the torrential down pour that Houston was experiencing in time to snap a few more pictures and load the car.  

I was semi-prepared for how much I would love my kiddos but I wasn't even close to realizing how much joy would come from watching them do what they love. Nothing makes me happier than to see them happy and what makes them happy is hardly ever "big" things.

Time with us. Outings with friends. And McDonald's chicken nuggets.

The day wasn't done for these American Girls... we still had more celebrating left to do... 

Operation Field Trips....

I love the "rights of passage" occurrences of life. I love the anticipation and the feeling of looking forward to something. I feel like there are so few moments left for kids to look forward to and that makes me a little sad. You should know the feeling of "waiting your turn" for the big thing - I feel like I had many opportunities to experience this fact of life. One in particular was "like, totally amazing"... varsity cheerleaders got to have their NAME on their BLOOMERS. I remember being in 7th grade just WAITING for the day that I, too, could have my name embroidered in 12 point script on my booty. Because clearly that was something worth waiting for. 

Well, Landry had her own right of passage moment this week with the official start to FIELD TRIP SEASON!!!! Every summer the Friendship class at WDS goes on weekly field trips and this year it was finally Landry's turn! We actually thought about pulling her this summer but decided that she should get at least one month of riding in 12 passenger vans with her friends. Needless to say, she was ready and first up on the agenda.... 

THE ZOO!

We headed north to Waco once again to catch a glimpse at the tigers, bears and giraffes and this may have bene the best visit yet! The weather was absolutely perfect so all the animals were out of their hiding places and walking around  - the tiger was up close and personal and I kind of wanted to take him home.

Miss Kari is back this summer and I may be even more excited than the kids! She's been there since Radley was at WDS so it's only fitting that she get to hang with Mills and Lands before they leave.

I know I've mentioned it before, but if you are near Waco then the drive is worth it to visit the Cameron Park Zoo. It's the perfect size for kiddos and has so many great animals and exhibits. The grounds are beautiful, the staff is friendly and there are plenty of things to do and see on the way in and out!

Emmy is never far away from Parker.... 

This is the sign they have posted outside of the orangutan exhibit and I died laughing. One of my friends can be summed up this same sentiment so I snapped this pic and sent it to him and his reply was, "I need this for my office!" hahaha

This class has so much fun together and all of their personalities just crack me up! 

The definitely each have their buddies but they also play together really well and are okay hanging out with whoever is in their group that day. We could all learn a thing or two from them!

Gigi met us there and Landry was so happy to show her off to her classmates! 

Another right of passage Landry experienced this day is also known as "third kid syndrome".... Radley's field trip to the zoo, I'm pretty sure I brought two lenses for my camera, Emmy's I brought the big camera, Landry? I realized once we arrived that all I had was my phone...

oops!

She was clearly upset...

as angry as a bear....

Okay, clearly she wasn't phased at all!

After a quick lunch of animal shaped chicken nuggets we made our way back out of the zoo to head home.

Well, after stopping for ice cream of course!

Three weeks left at this school that has brought the kids a ton of joy and me a ton of comfort... I just know she is going to suck up every ounce of fun to be had!