Recovery

If you ever want to renew your appreciation for your own kids, invite a bunch of other people's kids over to spend the night.

And be sure to add lots of sugary junk food to get the full effect.

The girls have all left and the house is pretty much cleaned up. Except for stray bunches of maribou trim that I'll be chasing out from under my DR table for the next week, you can't really tell a party took place. Well, okay, the streamers are still hanging from the chandelier and knowing us they'll be there until at least Easter.

For those who have not had the pleasure of playing endentured servant to a bunch of 6/7-yr-old girls, here are a few things I noted:

1. They eat alot

2. They open a bunch of juice boxes but never actually finish them.

3. They eat alot more.

4. After they've gone through several juice boxes and the orb-shaped bottled water that they never actually drank, they ask for glasses of water.... that comes out of the tap..... for FREE! I have to admit I was impressed with how many wanted water, my dad would be so proud!

Side note: at this point you may realize, as we did, that it's a good idea to have them write their names on their drinks so when they say they're thirsty, you can produce the glass (juice box, water bottle, etc.) they never finished.

5. When a couple of them lie down and start getting tired, don't think you're about to call it a night. Oh no, baby, the others will appear and whip the tired ones back up into a giggling, squealing frenzy.

6. Some of them have really annoying, high-pitched, make-your-ears-bleed squeals, which fortunately your hubby will put a stop to immediately.

7. Just when you think they're going to finally settle down and drift off, one of them announces she's hungry again and suddenly it's like none of them have eaten all night.

8. But when you finally can't take anymore, all you have to do is turn off the lights and resume your rightful position of authority in the house and tell them they are going to sleep.

All in all, it was a good party. The girls had fun and most importantly Vivian had a blast. But just ask me if I'm going to turn around and do this again with a bunch of 5-yr-old boys.

Those 2-hr party places are starting to look like a real bargain.