Surprise, Ava!!!

Today we threw Ava a surprise birthday party. A while back Ava started talking about wanting to do a duet with one of her friends at the dance studio. Ben and I told her that if she chose to do a duet that would serve as her birthday present, and usually our "present" to our kids is their party. Therefore, duet or party - and Ava chose a duet. That seemed all fine and good. And to her credit, Ava never asked to change her mind, or find a way to sneak in a party, and she never complained about missing out. But as her birthday got closer, I couldn't help but feel that she's only turning 7, and what was the harm in just having something low key so she could have fun and celebrate with her friends?

That's when I hatched the idea for a surprise party. She was clearly not expecting anything, and I didn't want to go back on our deal of making her choose a dance or party, so planning something behind her back seemed a great option. Again, my goal was to keep everything very low key and more like a playdate than a party. I had hoped that the kids could all just run around outside and play; the last week of downpour changed it to an indoor function, but the kids made do and found plenty of toys and games to play.

We set it up so that after Mass this morning Ava went out for a birthday treat with some of our church friends. Everyone got to the house just after 11, and by 11:45 Ava was walking in the door. The reaction was fantastic:

Immediately after I stopped recording, all of Ava's friends came to hug her, and it seemed that the emotion of it all got to her as she teared up a bit. She quickly recovered, and spent the next couple hours running around playing with many of her favorite people - neighbors friends and dance friends. I told her later on that we had wanted Ava to know just how special she is, to us and to the other people in her life. It was so wonderful for me to get to be a part of this fun surprise, and celebrate the blessing that is my oldest daughter in such a special way.

the group waiting for Ava to walk in the door (there were also people hiding behind the furniture)

Ava recovering from the surprise, getting a hug from her BFF Riley

the funny thing about this picture is I managed to miss the at least FIVE other kids inside the castle

our cupcake treats, courtesy of (once again) Miss Sharon

kids chowing down

castle had to go away, but a dance party soon was in high gear!

eating her birthday cupcake

my very happy and VERY special Ava Joy