Be warned - this is the longest blog post EVER.
You may need to read it in shifts.
Since I use this as a journal-of-sorts for our family, I wanted to post about Christmas, even though March is fast approaching! It would have been more manageable reading to have several small posts - but this was easier for me. Don't feel obliged to read it all!
The DecisionWe usually don't go to Utah for Christmas. Flying in winter and the potential delays & cancellations that occur, my kids almost always get sick - being on the plane and confined inside during cold & flu season, crossing time zones & making everyone jet lagged hardly encourages Christmas spirit, lugging gifts across the country only to open them and lug them all back, packing snow clothes, and extra sweaters, hats, mittens ....... you get the picture.
We like visiting in summer!
We went to Utah the first year we were married, but the following year I was giving birth to Emily, and we'd stayed home. It was a lovely Christmas, and I really enjoyed having our little family all together, and establishing our own traditions.
The next year we went again - and celebrated Emily's 1st birthday. Although I enjoyed having family around for that day - we realized that we preferred our own traditions and have done that every Christmas since.
This year presented us with a dilemma. Emily was turning 8, and would be getting baptized. We would love to have family at the baptism - but that would also mean traveling to Utah over Christmas. We left the decision to Emily - who decided she'd like to have cousins & Grandparents there - so made plans to go. My little two kids have never been to Utah in the winter, and Emily was too young to remember the last time we were there - so once the decision was made I got really excited about taking them - especially considering that it's unlikely that we'll go for Christmas again.
The Trip OutSo we left on December 17th - and by "we" I mean myself, Emily, Jacob & Jane. Rick always has the "I can't take that long off work" excuse - but we all know he is not one bit sad not to be flying with us. Rebekah didn't want to miss school, so she flew later with Rick.
I was frantic the whole 17 days of December before we left - getting ready for the trip, getting ready for Christmas, getting ready for the TWO daughters who would celebrate birthdays while we were there, and getting ready for Emily's baptism. Not to mention the week before we left our (extra) storage room freezer accidentally defrosted all over the floor, and a few days later Jane flooded our basement - requiring most of the Sheetrock and insulation in the ceiling to be replaced. I was STRESSED and only slept a few hours a night.
I did take a minute to snap a picture of this. A priceless insight into my darling Emy. I found this little packing list she had made herself in her room as we were gearing up to leave. She is SO my kid, I love lists. My favs - she is bringing only 3 shirts and 3 pairs of socks for a 3 week trip, that she put "hand sanitizer" on the list, that there's a question mark next to snowsuit, and the reminder to herself to sleep on the plane - all night.
Actually, it might provide equal insight to me!
So the afternoon of the 17th arrived and we were pretty set to go. I thought I had everything, but knew if I'd forgotten an item or two, Rick could bring it later. We loaded up the car and left. I was feeling pretty good, c'mon I FLEW TO AUSTRALIA with these three BY MYSELF, when JANE WAS ONLY TEN MONTHS OLD and Jacob was just TWO. I admit, I was a little cocky. I fly a lot with them, and feel like we have our routine down. I make sure everyone is wearing slip on shoes, I have a great system to transport 3 kids, stroller, car seat and carry ons with only 1 adult, I am a PRO at this. (I bought an extra booster last time I was in Utah for Jacob, so it's one less thing to transport.)
We had a clear run to the airport. Jane cried a little in the car - but it was late and she was tired, so I didn't pay attention to it. We pulled up to skycap where there was no waiting - sweet! We put our routine into action. I waited in the warm car with the kids while Rick took all our bags over to skycap. Then I jump out and trade him, to show my ID and get our boarding passes. Then we get out the kids - Jane into the stroller, with her bag in the back. Emily carries her bag, the car seat slings onto the back of the stroller, the one big carry on is mine - a backpack, so onto my back leaving me hands free to push the stroller, balance the car seat and herd the two walker kids. We look a sight, but it gets the job done.
We kissed Rick good-bye & headed into the airport. I noticed Jane was feeling warm, and seemed fussy. We made it through security (no small task) and headed to go get dinner. First up - bathroom breaks for all - where I noticed that Jane really was feeling hot. She was crying and wanted me to hold her - so I balanced the car seat on the front of the stroller, and carried Jane, which was exhausting. Then over for dinner, (navigating the stroller with precariously balanced car seat through the narrow spaces between the tables) during which time I decided Jane actually was developing a raging fever, and I should probably get her some Tylenol. We headed to the pharmacy (FAR away, and in the opposite direction of our gate) and got her some. Once we were all fed, had been to the bathroom & Jane had medicine we walked to the gate. By this point I was sweaty from lugging our gear, and wondering why I ever thought it was a good idea to travel! As we sat at our gate I heard them announce that all flights to Las Vegas were canceled due to weather. I had friends taking that flight & knowing that they had juts gone through something similar to me, only to have their flight canceled made me so relieved just to be able to get on our flight - every thing's relative, right?
The flight was pretty good. The kids slept the first 2 or so hours, but then Jane's diaper leaked. I quickly changed her and put on the spare pj's I had in the bag. A few minutes later Jacob woke up crying. His pull-up had leaked. OK, that one I was not anticipating! I had a spare pull-up, but no spare clothes. I left his pants off and wrapped him my sweater - wondering what I was going to do when we landed - would it be better to go bare legged in the freezing temperatures, or have wet pants on? I decided to hang the wet pants over to pocket of the seat, and hope they dried out a little. The plane was so dry - they were actually completely OK by the time we landed. I'll never curse dry plane air again. Pretty yucky to wear pants with dried up pee on them, but I'm sure it's better than freezing, and I knew it was just until we got to my parents place.
Mum and Sara met me at the airport, so I could bundle Emily and Jacob into their car (with some of our gear) and send them off to Grandma's to bed, while I went to get the rental car.
Exhausted and at 3:30am NY time we tumbled into bed at Mum's. Whew - the worst was over.
December 18thYou would think that the late night would have caused my kids to sleep in just a tiny bit - but they have never let a lack of sleep get in the way of their desire to play - trust me! They were up at the crack of dawn and pulling on snow pants to get outside.
Hooray, hooray - Utah snow!
Making snow angels.
Eating icicles.
Jane didn't even bother to get her gear on!
Later that afternoon we made gingerbread houses with the cousins. We make them every year, and this time waited until we could do it with Sara's kids.
I used to make my own gingerbread houses complete with stained glass windows and candy trees and everything. In an effort to decrease my OCD induced stress load, a few years ago I decided to just go with the kits. The kids do not care about the quality of the gingerbread, or the variety of the candy or how well it matches - they just want to stick candy onto a house, eat candy and lick frosting off knives.
I want a fun memory - and this has been working out well for us. As they get a little older, I'll return to making them myself (I still have a vision of a gingerbread castle on a hill, with a "village" of my 4 kids gingerbread houses below it ... )
We did three houses - one for Jacob & Jane.
One for Kate & Emily.
and one for Alex & Alyssa.
Jacob LOVED putting on lots & lots of frosting.
Jane thinks that this might just be the best craft activity she's ever done!
Alyssa was the boss of where the candy could go on their house - but said Alex could decorate the back anyway he wanted - so he did!
The finished houses. (L-R; J&J's, E&K's, A&A's.)
That evening I went to get a haircut. It was 5 minutes from Mum's house, I left the kids at home and when I got back they had eaten dinner and were bathed and ready for bed - such a treat. This is why I never get my hair done at home!
The next day I had a surprise planned for Emily. Since she would be turning 8, and getting baptized, she would be able to get her own set of leather bound scriptures. In the morning we left the other kids at home, and went to choose them. She chose the blue leather, and we had her name engraved in silver. We later ordered a cute little bag for them to go in, to make it easy to carry to church.
Then we got lunch together and went to get a manicure & pedicure. I am pretty big on trying to get one-on-one time with each of my kids, and this was a really fun time with just Emily and I. I hope she always remembers the day we picked out her scriptures, and puts them to good use reading them each day.
The next day was Sunday, and Rick and Rebekah were flying in. Even more exciting than that was we were going to meet Nicole! Rick's brother Don lives in California, and was bringing his girlfriend for all of us to meet. We went to church with Dan (Rick's brother) and Heidi his wife, and their three cute girls. My kids loved going to Primary / Nursery with their cousins. Jacob even came home with small gift the teacher had given him. How prepared to have an extra gift for visitors. I was impressed, and made a mental note to always be sure to have extra's for visitors when teaching a class.
The on to the fun family gathering at Dan & Heidi's. Nicole is wonderful, we all loved her and it was great to meet her.
Jane liked Nicole, but was mostly happy there were cookies!
Having fun with the gang.
Every family get together inevitably ends in a wrestling match - especially when Don is there - which is why my kids love him so much.
We love you Uncle Don!
Rick and Rebekah were supposed to get in at 4pm. I was hoping to make a dash for the airport and get them back in time to meet Nicole - who was flying home that night. Rick called while we were there to say that he and Rebekah were stuck in Dallas. Their flight from NY had been delayed, and they'd missed the connection. There had been weather related cancellations all over the country, and there was a list of 70 people trying to get on the next flight to SLC. It didn't look good. The airline had guaranteed them a flight ON TUESDAY, but they'd have to stay at the airport the whole time, or loose their place on the list. Needless to say we were all pretty bummed. Their luggage had been sent, and since he was bringing the suitcase with most of the gifts (I'd brought a bag of ski gear, and two ski bags with our luggage) I had better go to meet the fight they should have been on to collect it. We left Dan & Heidi's and headed for the airport to get the suitcases. My kids fell asleep in the car. I was contemplating running in and leaving them in the car for a minute, when I saw that the flight had been delayed. I went back to my parents house instead, and put the kids to bed. Then went back to the airport to get the bags. I hadn't been home long when Rick called to say that he and Rebekah had made it onto the last flight out, and would be getting in a little past midnight - so back to the airport I went.
Despite the multiple airport trips I made that day - I was thrilled that they had only spent 8 hours in Dallas over TWO DAYS. Rick said as each flight left, they got closer & closer to the top of the list - we guessed that a lot of people gave up and found other airlines, or just went to a hotel. Lucky for us, because I was really happy to have our family all together again.
My favorite Utah Christmas thing is the lights on Temple Square. I love Christmas lights - and no one does them better than Temple Square - plus the whole feeling of being near the Temple, and the nativity there - beautiful. I couldn't wait to take the kids.
One night we all went to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner. Mum and Kate came too. Since we never eat out for Emily's birthday, and it was just a couple of days before, we hgad the waiters come and sing "Happy Birthday" to her, she loved it.
Then we went over to the Temple to see the lights.
The reflecting pool.
Dec 23rdSnowbasin is not far from my parents house, and was our first place to ski while in Utah.
My three skiers. Rebekah looks mad - she does like skiing - I think I just got her at a bad moment. No wonder she won't let me put pictures of her on my blog ....
Jake's first real ski day.
Just as goofy as ever!
Emy loves it!
I wasn't sure if Jacob would need lessons - or if I would be able to teach him the basics.
This day was our trial run.
He started like this -
Jacob whined a lot and flopped on the snow. He said he couldn't do it, and didn't want to try. I was thinking that maybe I should just put him in ski school. Then I remembered - this wouldn't be like teaching Emily. Emily is self motivated, and wants to do well. Jacob is capable - but needs some pushing. I told him "no video games today, unless you try." I also brought Emily down to show him how she does it - because I believe there's nothing that is a greater motivator than having a sibling do something you cannot.
So then he did this -
(ignore my annoying instructions.)
Not a bad start - I'm hoping he'll be independent enough that next year I can take Jane.
We always end the day with hot chocolate in the lodge - because any day that starts with skiing and ends in hot chocolate is wonderful.
Dec 24thChristmas Eve is traditionally Rick's big family gathering, so we planned for that.
In the morning we had some food to make in preparation. We were in the kitchen when Jacob & Jane spontaneously came in like this. Really, is there anything that can warm the hearts of a parent on Christmas Eve more than seeing your little kids act out the nativity? Some of that reading and teaching must have sunk in. It was the perfect start to the day.
I made rolls, and Rick made cookies with expert assistance from Jane, who had been bathed - but had not quite made it all the way to getting dressed!
Then we all met for bowling.
Then it was time for the family gift exchange.
Jane's face just says "Merry Christmas."
Jane was SO excited to receive her gift from Don, and it got even better - he gave her a horse! She was so excited to get it, she was hugging it before we could even get it out of the box.
Hooray for cousins, hooray for presents!
Dec 25thNot enough stocking holders at Mums - so we put ours on the couch.
Really, there is nothing better than the happy faces of children opening gifts on Christmas morning.
What meal is complete without a sippy cup?
Then she opened her birthday gifts.
Her scriptures.
and lots of American Girl stuff.
Jacob's gift came with a kiss. It makes me so happy that they love each other so much.
A hug from Ethan.
Then a little show. The girls had really planned this, but who are Jacob & Jane to miss out on some attention if it's to be had?
What big day would be complete without a few tears?
and comfort from your big sis?
Which makes everyone happy (or silly) again?
As we were putting the kids to bed, Corinne noted that Sam was wearing Jane's old pj's, and Jacob and Jane had Emily & Jake's old one's - that deserves a photo! I love hand me downs - too bad I'm always the hander and never the receiver.
Dec 26thThe day after Christmas we had planned to meet Rick's siblings and their kids and go sledding. We had a late a start (late night the night before), and then got stuck behind 6 snowplows on the way - which brought a few heated words between Rick and I. We decided to abandon trying to get there, and just turn around and not be mad at each other.
My siblings & their kids were going ice skating - so we decided to go with them instead.
I like living in NY and don't miss Utah so much (other than family.) There are however two words that make me want to high tail it back west as fast as I can.
REC. CENTER
So many places in Utah have these - and Colorado and other places in the west too.
Why don't we have them here?? Why??
This is the Recreation Center near my parents. It's a three-story, 160,000-square-foot, brick-and-steel building that houses an Olympic-size ice rink, competition pools, a gym and exercise rooms. PLUS it's cheap. Seriously, we could get an annual family membership for less than Rick and I spend on a few months of the gym here. What a great way to spend time with your family.
Jacob may have taken to skiing, but he was not so keen on ice skating. He was pretty much a lead weight for me to slide around the ice. Quite the arm workout!
McKinlay was so sweet to skate with Emily. These two love each other so much. Mckinlay is two years older than Emily - young enough to still have fun together and just enough older to be helpful and a great example.
Later that afternoon, we all decided to go sledding at Happy Hallows.
McKinlay, Emily, Kate & Ethan.
Jane and I.
Ethan, Kate, Emily.
There was a jump over a small creek. Brian convinced Rebekah to try it.
On her first
TWO try's she landed in the creek.
On her third attempt - she sailed right over.
Jacob thought it was AWESOME!
(Thanks Corinne for the pics - I wasn't brave enough to bring my good camera sledding!)
On the 29th we went skiing with Don & Lacey at Snowbird.
This time we left Jacob home so the bigger people could ski. I love Snowbird, it was always my favorite place to ski years ago & I still love it. Again, I didn't bring the camera - I should have probably grabbed my little one, but for motion shots it's no good, and the good one is too big to carry in my pocket & I don't want it around my neck when I ski - so no pictures this day.
Suffice it to say that fun was had by all.
We were so excited to get to meet up with the Stanley's while we were in Utah.
We MISS THEM SO MUCH.
Just like when we saw them this summer, it was as if Jacob and Colin had never been apart.
Jane was delighted to see "baby 'trea"
And of course, Emily and Roxcy had a great time together.
The kids went sledding and built a snow fort.
Which was wonderful, because it left me free to catch up with Erin. She made us a delicious lunch with food grown in her parents garden, and we had the tour of her parent house, which is exactly my taste. Such a great afternoon. Have I mentioned WE REALLY MISS THESE GUYS!
After going home we let the kids have some New Years Eve fireworks fun.
Jan 1stRick's Dad turned 70 on New Years Day, so we all got together for a family breakfast. Dave is such a sweetheart, I have a real soft spot for him and of course the kids all love Grandpa!
A clown made them balloons. A purple horse for Jane (what else?)
and a water gun for Jacob (I'm surprised he didn't ask for a light saber.)
We spent the afternoon skiing at Snowbasin again - this time I took Jacob for more fun. He's really improving. Again, no pictures.
But by this point in the post do you need more pictures of us skiing, or do you just want this to end??
Our New Years Day tradition is to smash the gingerbread houses and eat them, so we did that in the evening. Really, my kids eat some of it. Yucky! Still, it's fun and they have at it for about 15 minutes and then I clean it up and throw it in the garbage - so not too bad.
Jan 2ndWe did a little shopping this day, and got a bunch of stuff ready for Emily's baptism, then went swimming (the Rec Center again!) in the afternoon.
In the evening Rick and I went out on our belated Tenth Anniversary date.
Here's the story -
I have always wanted to go to Log Haven for dinner. Our engagement pictures were taken there. We looked into having our wedding reception there - but it's up the canyon and figuring out how to get everyone there (including out of town guests) was tricky. The Lion House was a little less expensive AND right across the street from the Salt Lake Temple, so we compromised. We decided to have the reception at the Lion House and Rick would take me to Log Haven for a very romantic night some other time.
I wanted to go to Log Haven in the fall or winter, so we could enjoy the open fire & I could drink wassail and feel all cozy and romantic. Six weeks after our wedding we were in Utah for Christmas, but were busy and didn't really think about going there. Then again two years later, but we had one year old Emily I didn't really want to leave. Well, we haven't been there in the winter since. We celebrated our 10th anniversary in November - so when we knew we were going to be there over Christmas we knew it was a must.
Rick bought me a beautiful diamond eternity band for our anniversary, and we had my diamond re-set and them saudered together. He waited until we were at Log Haven for him to give them to me - he's quite the romantic. He also gave me a gorgeous diamond tennis bracelet for Christmas, which I wore that night. I was feeling quite spoiled and the evening was everything I had wanted it to be.
The restaurant was not busy, the fireplace was crackling, the food was delicious. We held hands and talked about our last 10 years (we've had 3 kids, Rick's had 3 jobs, I've had 3 jobs, we've lived in 3 places - we decided three is our lucky number.)
I had roast pheasant, root vegetables and bison. Rick had Elk. Everything was delicious, including the creme brulee for dessert (my favorite.)
Such a great evening spent with the love of my life - and I really recommend this restaurant, it's as good as any of the better places we've eaten in in NYC. (They have other selections if you're not into game.)
A big day for Emily and our family.
Emily was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The day was beautiful - new snow had fallen the night before, but the day dawned with bright blue sky. Everything felt fresh and exciting.
Emily & I designed her dress back in October. She chose the neckline, and how she wanted the sleeves to look, she told me where to put ribbon, it was all her plan. The idea was that we would make it together, as a learning / bonding experience. Time got away from us (the flood at home hadn't helped, since my sewing area is in the basement) and I ended up making it alone the night before - finishing in the wee hours. Looking back, I wished I'd lined the bodice instead of doing the facing, since you could see it - but it was fine and she LOVED it.
I love how she and Rick looked together in their white. Look at that happy, excited face.
The actual baptism was wonderful. Only two mess ups (both mine) I forgot the words to the song when I was leading (a shy) girl cousin choir - and accidentally had them sing the wrong words. The second thing - I forgot to make copies of the songs for those who needed them - so we just changed the last song to "I am a Child of God," since everyone knows it.
We had family from both sides, and a few close friends. It was sweet and simple and lovely. After the baptism we headed back to Mums to eat. The dinner was typical "large crowd" fare - but for the desserts I did an all white theme. White worked well and was fun, we had white chocolate covered pretzels, white cake with white frosting & white rosebuds, powdered donuts, eclairs with white rosebuds, white jelly belly's, mini marshmallows, Mexican wedding cookies ... you get the idea. Emily had a lovely day, and that made me happy.
On the 4th of January, it was Rebekah's 16th birthday. We woke her up with balloons and singing "happy birthday". Then we had to zip off to church, but we came home to a big family brunch to celebrate.
We gave her fencing lessons - Jacob was so excited to give her the card.
Grandma & Grandpa gave her a new CTR ring.
After a brief birthday we had to zip her to the airport to fly home. Not the best way to spend a birthday, but she had to be home for school to start!
Jan 5thThe last day in Utah, since the little's and I were flying home that night. It was cold and snowy and the cousins were all back in school, so we headed to the Discovery Museum.
They loved this ball thing and spent about 20 minutes there until I suggested we go see other things too! There were a series of pipes that had air rushing through them - you popped a ball into one of several openings and watched it go.
They worked so well together to build this house.
What I wouldn't give for a playroom like this ....
Or making more noise?
Climbing the rock wall was a big hit.
Of course Jane loves sitting on the horse!
They had fun pretending to run a grocery store.
Then making their own cartoons.
Last of all they put on a play.
I am a sucker for dress-ups - and there were some great one's there. I didn't exactly understand the plot. There was a Pharaoh, and a bunny ....
and a "wild thing" who chased them ....
Then the Pharaoh became a bunny and the bunny became a bear. They all chased each other some more and then took a bow. It was a raging success!
This summer, when we are free of the multitude of "school year activities" that suck up all my time, I'm going to make some dress-ups like this. Look, It's just one jacket pattern made in diferent fabrics and with the hood altered to make an entirely new costume.
Brilliant. I must have some!
The Flight Home
The rest of the afternoon was spent packing and gathering our belongings, which were strewn from one end of my parents house to the other. We had dinner and I bathed my kids and put them into their pj's. My Dad asked me a dozen times if he should come to the airport with us, but I insisted I didn't need him. It was snowing outside, and they can't come to the gate with me. I had the rental car to return - so all they'd end up doing was driving behind me for nothing. My plan was simple - pull up to sky cap - unload all the bags with the kids still in the car, then drive around to return the rental car - then go board the plane - where the kids would sleep all the way home and Rick would meet us in the morning. (You know I wouldn't be writing about this if it had worked out that way.)
I loaded the car and off we went. The kids instantly fell asleep, because it was late and they were so tired. I got to the airport and pulled up to the curb for skycap. No one. I looked up and down. Nothing. I got out and walked over to the booth - which appeared to be locked. Panic.
I saw a parking guy who "looked official" - you know the one who walks up and down saying that you can't park there - and asked about the sky cap "Oh, they took them out at night. Trying to save money I guess?" WHAT! I looked at my watch, I had about an hour & 15 minutes before my flight - I had two sleeping kids, one awake 8yr old, 4 regular suitcases, one giant bag of ski gear (helmets, boots, goggles, etc), two big long ski bags and a box of gifts we had accumulated while there. Not to mention our carry on bags, a car seat and the stroller - and I had to return the rental car. I calculated if it might be possible for Emily and I to move all that stuff. Then I tried to figure out if there was any way I could call my parents and have them get there fast to help.
I was at a loss.
I explained to the parking guy that I had two sleeping kids in the car, and lots of bags, and I had to return the rental car. I asked if it would be possible to circle around and park in the bus lane, so I could be right outside the entrance. Perhaps I looked overwhelmed, perhaps my voice wavered and a few tears welled up in my eyes as I pled for help - or maybe he was just a super nice guy. He told me yes, and he'd help me.
I circled around, and pulled up next to the door. I pulled all our stuff out to the curb, and locked the kids into the car. The guy met me, and alternated with me carrying in bags or watching the car. He went up to the desk agent, and asked them to help me get everything checked in - which they did while he waited outside with the car for me! (also why I locked it - just in case he was pretending to be nice, just to kidnap my kids.)
The ticket agent didn't even make me wait while they did each bag - just gave me the claim checks and sent me on my way. Once I got back to the car I gave the guy a tip - which he refused, but I insisted. I got back in the car and he started to walk away - then I think he must have looked at the amount of money I'd handed him, and came back to the car to give it back to me! I wouldn't take it - because I really don't know how else I could have managed getting all the stuff checked in - and the kids were still happily asleep in the car.
Having that guy there was such a blessing.
I went to return the car - they were closed. The instructions said to attach the keys to your rental agreement, write the mileage on it, and then lock the car and drop the keys & agreement into the drop box. Fat chance. Not only did I have no idea about where my rental agreement was, I also didn't have a pen handy and was about to carry a sleeping kid and a car seat into the airport, while pushing another sleeping kid in a stroller in frigid temperatures! I just droppepd the keys in the box, and hoped for the best (it was fine.)
Of course, our car rental return was the furthest possible place away from the gate - but we got through security and then another helpful guy there called one of those transport things for us to whip us to the other terminal and to our gate. We arrived just in time to use the bathroom before boarding. Seriously, I have never been so relieved to be getting on a plane in all my life!
The flight home was relatively uneventful (although I didn't get any sleep) and we landed at 5:30am in NY - ready for Rick to pick us up and get us home.
It was an epic trip. We will not be returning to Utah for Christmas any time soon (or ever), but I'm really glad that we did it and had so much fun. I hope the kids made good memories.
They were so cute, talking and giggling and playing with their dolls. We had 3 church friends, 3 school friends & one swimming friend. The beauty was that everyone there knew at least one other person (other than Em), so I was hoping no-one would be left out.
Just to be sure that everyone got to know each other, I made little slips of paper with questions on it for them to pass around on the train.
Once at Amercan Girl Place we went to the Cafe, and the girls all ordered, then we played a few more games (at the table) while we waited for our meals.
Then we ate.
Emily's choice.
Then they brought out the cake and we all sang her "Happy Birthday."
A little gift bag for everyone and we were on our way home.
I had checked the train schedule before we left. They run every 1/2 an hour. I had planned to get the 6:55, but we didn't even finish eating until after 7. I thought that even if we really hurried to the station, we would probably miss the 7:25 anyway, so made the decision to walk calmly and get the next train at 7:55. We did just that, and got to the station only to realize that after the 7:25, the trains start running hourly. Sigh. The girls sat on the benches and played with their gift bags, while we called parents to let them know we would be later - and see if those coming back to our house still could, now we were an hour later than I thought we would be.
It was so late (11:30pm) when everyone had left, that I wanted to send Emily to bed, but how could I make her wait until morning when this wonderful stack of gifts was there for her - so we let her open them.
Emily had a GREAT time!
