This weekend was a whirlwind!

We hosted nine 10-11 year old girls at a birthday party for our daughter.

One night.

At our home (yes, we are crazy!) There was madness, mayhem, blood (a small flesh wound) and even a phone call from an upset neighbor complaining about the noise (except it turns out it was a friend tricking me out!).

I thought you might enjoy a little behind-the-scenes look at our day...from set up until break down (not breakdown...although it was close!)

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So I wrote a little poem to celebrate the occasion, with lots of poetic license (thank you to Clement Clarke Moore for the original).

Hope you enjoy and get some birthday celebration ideas along the way!

Twas the morn of the party when the birthday girl rose

Pancakes with peaches broke her repose

The table was set with infinite care

Chalkboards and banners and cute stuff was there

Popcorn and cupcakes, cookies, fondue

Fruit kebabs, marshmallows...so much to do!

Excitement was high as the day moved along

Preparations continued out on the lawn

A screen that was larger than life soon appeared

Thanks to the skills of a dad with no fear

The birthday girl squealed when she heard the first 'dong'

The guests were arriving out back on the lawn

And what to my wondering eyes should appear

But nine little girls, all dressed in sleep gear

Nine soon-to-be-teens all having such fun

While the last final rays were drawn from the sun

T-shirts were made and presents were ripped

Then plates were piled high and chocolate was dripped

And while girls snuggled down in their blankets outside

Maleficient played on the screen way up high

The night was soon over and parents appeared

Goodbyes were said and messes were cleared (thanks Mr DIY xx)

We'd pulled off a party for one special girl

who is growing so fast it leaves our heads all aswirl

A girl who is brave, kind, silly and sweet

Then we tucked her in bed and pulled up the sheet

And said as we kissed her and turned off the light

"Happy birthday to you and to you a good night!"

It takes effort, energy (and maybe even a little crazy) to pull off a birthday party in your home, filled with tweenager girls! But you will talk about it for years afterward! Making memories like this is such a great way to let your child know how special they are and how much you love them!

• collect phones at the door!!!!!!!
• plan for an outdoor party as much as possible!
• keep girls busy (we planned several activities including t-shirt painting, bracelet making and some games...we didn't get to everything but it's best to be prepared! Bored girls will give you trouble!)
• have your daughter help to plan and prepare for her birthday (this includes shopping and set up!)
• decide on a budget for food and decor and stick to it (it's easy to go overboard, especially when the above tip is happening!)
• have a variety of foods to offer as there's always a few picky eaters! On this note, include some healthier options such as fruit, veggies, even cheese and crackers
• have fun and take lots of pictures!

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