I know it sounds crazy. A “reward” vacation? What does that even mean? This reward vacation was for Brittain. When July rolled around, Brittain had been a big sister for a little over 4 months and as soon as Coleman was born she stepped up to the plate more than I ever expected. There wasn’t a complaint, a “why am I not getting all the attention,” a “why am I not getting ANY of the attention, a “why do you seem to be depressed and in a bad mood, Mommy?” The kid deserved a medal. So, when I was trying to think of the best gift I could give to her there was only one idea tha came to my mind, the gift that she would request…the gift of going to visit her Aunt CC. So, that’s what we did.
Somehow, despite Dan’s insane work schedule, we worked it out to be able to take a girls trip to Jacksonville and leave baby Coleman in the care of his daddy and grandparents. Everyone stepped up to make this trip possible which was awesome. We drove down to Florida and got to spend a few days of constant fun (and constant attention for Brittain). We celebrated her birthday (for the THIRD time) and we were able to get our fill of Aunt CC. Dance parties? Yeah. Birthday parties? Oh yeah. Complete pampering (for Brittain)? Oh HELL yeah. It was one of the best trips ever for such a well-deserving little girl.
I knew it was coming sooner than I had expected…but my baby girl turning 5 was not something I was looking forward to. Even now having a new baby, letting go of the fact that Brittain wasn’t my baby anymore was still becoming a difficult transition. And also? Oh, yeah…she is now very specific about what she wants to do for her birthday.
I finally talked Dan into us doing an “all inclusive” party with her friends because as expensive as it may sound up front, even trying to do a party at our house ends up costing the same (or more) after purchasing all the necessities. We ended up deciding on a place in Locust Grove called Twisted Sisters Party Parlor. It was quaint, cute, and perfect for a group of 5 year old girls. They got their hair done, their makeup done, had manicures and got to make a craft. After dressing in diva outfits they then all individually walked the catwalk to strut their stuff.
Honestly, it was all so perfect until…
Prior to the party I had requested an “add-on” and that was to have Cindrella make a guest appearance. It cost a little extra, but it was a specific request Brittain made so I didn’t want to let her down. There was a point during the party where I was talking to Jenny Parker. She had just gotten out of her mouth, “Well, Valerie, you’ve outdone yourself.” But then “Cinderella” walked in…
Definitely my favorite one of the group. Notice “father of the year” on the left side of this picture making sure to get that special moment of his precious daughter talking to Cinderella.
I want to make sure and say that I am not saying anything negative about this girl. She is beautiful…my only point is that she was the farthest thing from Cinderella that I have ever seen. I don’t think she even fooled the 5 year olds. But at the end of the day everyone left happy…the dads who attended especially. For weeks afterwards I had dads calling me asking if they could hire that Cinderella for THEIR birthday party…
