This year, it started on vacation in Michigan with a cousins celebration. Thank you to Grandma for throwing the party and thank you to Grandma, Grandpa and Sue for the new white Pink jacket, she LOVES it!
Next up, her ACTUAL birthday. In traditional form, we had fondue, kids champagne and shared all our favorite memories and quirks about Kay. We all love her creativity, tenaciousness and loyalty to her friends. Her competitiveness, hard working attitude and sense of humor also made the top of the list. We opened a few presents from us and was amazed that we got her exactly what she wanted (not hard when she pre-loads shopping carts online for us to "find").
But, the BIG event ... her party. This is always a massive deal with a theme, crafts, activities, sleep over, etc ... If you remember, we've done ... state fair, luau, live auction and now ... drum roll ...glamping. The big event also includes weeks and weeks of prep, lists, shopping, price comparisons, communications, decisions, changing decisions, changing decisions back ... you get the idea. All for a mere $200 budget.
After searching high and low for a group camp site, Tracy had the stellar idea to camp at the lake shore property of her work. There's HUGE screened boat house, swing set, slide, waterfront, pontoon, fire pit and porto potty. The only downside. The property is under construction and it took us a while to figure out how to get all the stuff (3 car loads full) down to the site. After recon of driving across lawns and warning the residents, we figured it out.
Friday night, after a intense meltdown from stress, we headed out to set up - twinkle lights, decorations, supplies, staging areas, swim gear, flashlights, wood for the fire, towels, bug spray sunscreen, water jugs, tents, sleeping bags, pads, shaving cream, paint, succulents, pots, dirt, sand, rocks, chalk, bike pump ... you'll see where all this is going in a second...
Saturday Tom, Kay and Nora headed out to setup food. Per Kay, the party was supposed to start at our house at 3pm. Needless to say, this was one of the decisions that was changed multiple times, unbeknownst to us and...the girls all showed up at 2pm. Tracy hadn't showered yet and Tom, Kay and Nora were out at the site setting up. Whoops! Of course, the girls all came packing their own personal set of luggage ... Another trip in 2 cars!!
We loaded up, headed out and ... let the game begin!!
After unpacking, setting up preferred sleeping areas and scoping the joint, we headed out for a pontoon ride. This included swimming in the middle of the lake, some sun bathing and getting (slowly) towed around the back of the boat on a life ring.
Back into shore for an epic shaving cream, ground chalk, paint fight. Not sure how they designated teams or who won, but they sure had a great time!
After another swim, to clean off, they were ready for dinner. Tom was a doll and hand delivered pizza piping hot and fresh. You'd have thought they had never eaten.
Part of the plan was to float in the lake, on noodles, as the sun set. They timed it perfectly and it was gorgeous. This led, of course, to a midnight swim int he middle of the lake with threats of skinny dipping. Not sure how much was actually de-robed but based on the giggles they were having fun.
As they were drying off, Bella and Tracy got a roaring fire started and they launched into gourmet s'mores.
By this time, Tracy was hiding in her single sleep tent and trying to ignore the screaming and giggling about spiders, bugs and boys.
Now they were ready for some music, more junk food and gossip in their sleeping bags. They chatted and argued until Tracy checked on them at 2:30am. 1/2 the girls were SOUND asleep and the other 1/2 were talking nonstop. About 3:30, one smart girl declared "lights out" and it went quiet. Not soon after we heard dogs (coyotes?) howling in the distance.
One lone girl was up and at 'em at 8:15 while the rest "slept in" to 10am. More sugar, salt and fruit for breakfast (Tracy was dying for a coffee) and they eased themselves into the day.
There was some serious creativity going on with the build your own succulent terrarium. They turned out really cute.
After all that hard work, another swim was in order. Tom came to help us load up around 11:30 but I think they could have spent the whole day as a repeat of the day before.
All in all, it was a great party. We got all packed up, shipped home, unpacked and Kay promptly passed out at 2pm and didnt wake until 8pm. You know thats a good party.
But, just when you think its over ... its not!!
The grand finale of turning 15?! Sam Hunt tickets at Target Field. (really its the Luke Bryan concert but Sam Hunt is opening for him) 4 girls, thousands of screaming fans, summer night, baseball stadium, country music. .... Does it get any better than that?! (We were late in posting this because we were hoping she'd share a picture of her at the concert with her friends but - no go. She's says "they didnt take any pictures". Right. The girl is the queen of selfies. I'm sure they are plastered all over the internet and we are just blocked from seeing them. sigh - forward them if you see them!!)
Kay, we love you. We love your energy, ideas, big big personality and zest for life. XOXOXO.
Love this gang of gymnastics team members
The accommodations
succulent terrarium station
Tom getting the boat ready
Sunset
Instructions for "the fight"
The fight in action
Screams
giggles
FUN!
The end result
Midnight swim
More night swimming
Fire
Why isnt anyone awake yet?
Getting creative
Final product
Post party nap - success!!
