Lia's 13th Friend Birthday Party

Just like Logan's friend party, I decided last month that we would go ahead and host a small friend party for Lia.  Since Lia has been begging to have a slumber, birthday party for the last many, many months, this turned out to be the perfect thing as hosting a small party is the only way, in my opinion, to allow a slumber party to happen at the same time.  As a result, Lia chose to invite her five closest friends (one from church/neighborhood and four from her old elementary school).  Luckily, every parent felt comfortable sending their daughter and so everyone was able to come.  We decided to go with a more mature, mermaid theme for the party since Lia still loves mermaids.  Lia dictated the agenda of the entire event which was such a welcomed break for me as I am pretty burned out on planning parties.  It turned out to be such a pleasant and nice party for Lia, her friends, and the rest of us.  These girls are all growing up and becoming so mature that it really was quite easy to host them for an entire evening and the following morning.

The girls arrived at 6 p.m. and we fed them a pizza dinner with several sides while Ron and I ate in the dining room with our other three children.  After dinner, the girls moved into the family room where Lia led them in filling out a questionnaire that asked them questions about themselves that we will put in a "time capsule" for an entire year to be read again at Lia's 14th birthday party.  All of the girls had such a fun time answering the questions and then sharing them afterwards.  They spent so much time sharing their answers that Lia decided to skip the one game (Guesstures) that she had planned on playing with the group.  Instead she went ahead and opened up her gifts with the girls before eating cupcakes and ice cream.  All of her friends gave her such thoughtful and wonderful gifts. I could tell how much her friends really know her by the kind of items they chose to give her for presents.  After eating dessert, the girls loaded up with popcorn, licorice, and Capri Sun drinks before heading down to the basement rec room to watch Lia's current favorite move, Soul Surfer.  Since none of her five friends have ever seen it, this turned out to be the perfect movie for them all to watch and Lia was so excited to share it with them!

Although one of her friends went home at 10:45 when the movie ended, the rest of the girls spent the night with Lia in the basement.  They talked, sang, and laughed hard until midnight when I shut the entire thing down.  I think that they all fell asleep pretty quickly at that point, but I really have no idea since I never went back down to the basement until the morning.  Ron and I then made a big breakfast of homemade waffles, whipped cream, and strawberries with bacon for breakfast this morning.  All of the girls came up from the basement really happy and chipper, so hopefully they got some decent sleep.  All of the parents came promptly at 10 a.m. to pick them up leaving a very happy and pleased Lia behind.  I could tell that she really enjoyed every minute of her party and spending time with these special and close friends--especially during a time when she no longer gets to see them on a regular basis!  I am so grateful that we were able to pull off hosting her 13th birthday party in the middle of a pandemic.

Lia standing outside next to her 'welcome' sign and bouquet of balloons before her friends arrived.

Lia surrounded by balloons!

The simple decorations I put up in the family room.

The mermaid themed decorations in the dining area of the kitchen.  As simple as they were (compared to previous parties that I have thrown for Lia), I thought that it turned out quite darling.

The jellyfishes hanging from the ceiling.

The turquoise cupcakes that also served as a centerpiece for the table.

The table all set and ready to go!  Lia spent about two hours on Friday after she finished school helping me clean up and decorate for her party.

Although Lia's friend, Sienna, had to come late from volleyball practice, the rest of the girls arrived on time and enjoyed eating dinner together.

The girls working on their time capsule questionnaire after dinner.  Here is Lia sitting between Rian and Elle.

Although we tried to keep the younger kids away from the party, Ella had a hard time not wanting to be 'one of the girls' the entire evening and next morning.  The bigger girls kindly let her sit with them on the couch for the activities after dinner.  Here is Ella sitting between Mollie and Alyssa.

As always, we had the friend come and sit with Lia while she opened presents.  Here is Lia reading Alyssa's card.

Lia making a funny face while opening up one of several tissue-wrapped items in Rian's gift bag.

Lia hugging Mollie after receiving two books from her.  These two girls are total bookworms and they love recommending books to each other.  Please notice how Emmett had pulled up his own stool during this time to join Lia and her friends.  Such a funny boy!

Lia and Sienna striking a funny pose.

Lia getting ready to blow out her candles!

The girls enjoying their cupcakes and ice cream.

All six of them settled into the basement rec room ready to watch the movie.

Lia and Alyssa.

Mollie and Sienna.

Elle and Rian.

The girls enjoying their breakfast this morning before heading home.  Since Alyssa was not there to join them, Ella was allowed to take her spot at the table and eat breakfast with the big girls.  You can tell by the smile on her face how she felt about being allowed to do this!