SURPRISE!

A week ago I decided to throw Clare a surprise party for her 10th birthday.  We only have friend birthday parties every other year.  Clare is turning 10 and it is a friend-party year.  A surprise party seemed like the very best idea.  Luckily, all of her friends could come with short notice.  Even luckier, none of her friends spilled the beans before the party.  Lots of the moms didn't tell their daughters until they dropped them off for the party.  

Will took Clare out for dinner while the girls arrived.  Well, before that, Clare got to have a play date with Andrew (her best-cousin-friend) right after school.  When I told her about it this morning she said "What could be better on my birthday than having a play date with my best friend--who I never see!"  (We see them all the time...)

So all the girls arrived on time, Clare was out to dinner (with Will texting me their arrival times).  All the girls hid behind furniture etc.  and we waited.  In walked Clare to a big "Surprise!"

It was great, she didn't suspect a thing.  We started partying (a classic dance party).  After a few minutes Clare came over to me with a gigantic grin on her face and said "Mom, thank you so much!  I've always wanted a surprise party.  I had no idea!"

The party was perfect, we borrowed a disco ball light thing from some friends and blasted Taylor Swift songs.  The girls taught Colter how to "dab" and followed him in conga lines.  Everyone ate snacks and danced the night away.  

Cake and ice cream happened, presents happened and most importantly, Clare had the best surprise birthday party a girl could ask for.  (Maybe having a pony would have been better but I doubt it)

Happy 10th birthday Clare!