Ainsley's Tea Party

Today we had a tea party. Nothing new in the Vaagenes house. Ever since receiving a beautiful tea set from her Aunt Gail when she was a baby and a gorgeous vintage porcelain set from her Nana we have found many opportunities to party with tea.

Typically our parties are impromptu. Perhaps we'll throw on a scarf or a fancy skirt, lay down a soft quilt and sip away. Little preparaing and thought is put into the affair, and so far it's been just enough.

But today is rainy AGAIN. Faced with yet another day cooped up indoors my mind was searching for how to fill our day happily and fully. Ainsley and I had discussed having a tea party last night and this morning she woke up excited to follow through.

So we took a new approach to our tea parties. We made a list of things to do, food to make, guests to invite, invitations to create. We worked the morning away, focused and busy anticipating our fun party to come.

::Ainsley carefully cut paper for the invitations, chose the theme for her party (butterflies and grapes) and thoughtfully planned every detail::

We had such a blast.

One of my new personal mama goals is to focus more on the journey with my girls, on the process and the work than just the result. We spent an hour and a half while Louise napped just working in unison, creating a fun all our own. I had such fun watching my girl so focused and excited. Not to mention the teaching and learning that takes place in these moments. Sounding out words, choosing colors and themes, brainstorming and list making. I love a good lesson (or 2 or 3) disguised as fun.

::she delivered and read her invitations personally, Knuffle Bunny, Elmo, Baby Aida doll, and Angelina Ballerina were all invited::

::we resurrected the mosquito netting as the perfect setting for the party::

::Louise joined us after her nap and was very excited about the buffet (cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and blueberries)::

::the guests, all dressed up as per Ainsley's request::

::Ainsley made sure her guests were well fed::

Our plan had been to hold out until lunchtime for the party, but after working so hard I hated having to make Ainsley wait a moment longer for her well planned event. So we had a mid morning party and ater gnoshing and sipping we had about an hour and a half until naptime...Now what?

We dragged quilts and pillows into the living and snuggled down to watch a movie together. I rediscovered Milo and Otis in our basement and the girls LOVED watching all of the animals and the sweet funny story. It was a great way to round out the morning.

Today I am thankful for focused and elongated fun. For my sweet sleepy girls and the dark clouds outside to help facilitate some long naps (please! :o) This afternoon I hope that the clouds lift and the sun shines, and if not I hope for patience and inspiration to keep the fun going!