On shopping lists, parties and snow

I sat down last night and breathed a huge sigh. Of relief, of tiredness, of happiness.

My little girl turns four this week and we celebrated with her friends yesterday afternoon.

Of course, organizing a tea party for a dozen children involved extensive shopping lists, a lot of planning and a little panicking! Party bags, treats, baking. I spent a lot of time running around buying things, and then running around again getting all the things I’d forgotten!

But, in the end, it all went off without a hitch.

Other than getting a little stressed at 1.15pm yesterday when I still hadn’t managed to have a shower, it was remarkably stress free. And, I was showered, dressed and (almost) ready when guests started to arrive! I count it as a win that all I was still doing at that point was cutting up fruit :)

As I watched my daughter with her friends; running around the house, setting up the biggest tea party for the toys ever, playing in the garden; I was struck by how much she has grown up.

Four years old.

It still seems so young, but watching all of them organize and play and negotiate demonstrated that it’s not as young as I think.

When they all sat down to have something to eat, I stepped away for a second to refill the teapot for the grown ups (seemed only fair that we had a tea party too!) and came back to find them passing out plates and napkins. They didn’t need me at all!

It was a lovely afternoon, and my daughters face when I brought out her princess cake, well, that will stay with me for a long time.

All worth it!

The three collapsed into bed, and their parents collapsed on the sofa, job well done.

I was almost grateful to wake to snow and a delayed start to school today, as it meant that we could all take the morning a little slower. And of course, the kids are thrilled to see more snow… Me, not so much, but I am glad that I hadn’t put away any of the snow gear.

Happy spring everyone :)