A Strike not a Strike Out!

Today's was Shelby's 8th b'day party.  Sometimes I feel sorry for Sydney and Shelby because I am not a birthday party Mom.  Don't get me wrong, they are allowed to have them but neither Scott or I go out of our way to encourage them.  And in the event they decide to have one, and it comes to fruition they have come to learn the following:

a) There will be no goody bags

b) The total number of invites may not exceed the age said b'day person is turning.  

*This maxes out at the 10th year with 10 invites - you get the idea.  Also, the b'day person and the sibling, if deemed worthy of an invite count in the total number of invites.  Thus, Shelby had 6 friends, herself and Sydney.

I am going to deem Shelby's Bowling Extravaganza, inspired by a recent American Girl (AG) article, a success for several reasons...

*Everyone she invited, including Sydney whom she willingly invited, could come!  Makes me feel good to think my daughters like each other enough to use a coveted invite.

Back (l-r) Pin Head, Lu-Bowl, Striker, Miss B h'Ava
Middle (l-r) Ding Dong, Q-Bear, Dr. Bowl
Front (l-r) Bowl-A-Rina 

*Shelby's wish for a "Bowling Ball" cake was successfully carried out by Mom.

* Kearny Mesa Bowl was great.  Much cleaner than in the past and not as dark.  Best of all, (2) rounds of bowling for 8, including lunch and and we were out of there with no mess for $100!

And while I attempted to make t-shirts for all the girls,  they didn't turn out the way I'd hoped.  I decided to be o.k. with that - time to start taking things so seriously, right?  Bless Shelby, she said, "Mom, thanks for trying, I still like it."  And you know what, so did the all the girls.

Happy Birthday Shelby Girl!  Can't wait to see what 8 has in store for you.

On another b'day front, Sydney has opted out of a party and has put a plan in motions.  

Stay tuned!