Katie's Surprise Party!

Well it wasn't easy but we pulled it off  - we managed to surprise Katie with a fantastic "American-Style Hoe Down" for her 10th birthday. There were some glitches early on as apparently some girls didn't understand that by "surprise" I meant don't tell Katie that you will be coming to her party - but thanks to consistent denials and lack of supporting evidence Katie was left in the dark.

We held the festivities at a church down the street from us that graciously rents out their hall, so we had a dance hall, a kitchen and an area in which to eat our American dinner. I made brisket, baked beans (my friend Deyon's fancy "Family Reunion Beans" which are to die for and include bacon and hamburger as well as lots of yummy spices), coleslaw, chips and bread rolls. Just because this is New Zealand and I was concerned that the barrage of unfamiliar food might scare some kids I also included these little red sausages they eat here called cheerios and they were by far the most popular item. Oh and to drink we had sweet iced tea and cherry limeade. And beer and wine for the adults of course.

My amazing friends helped so much with the party preparation and with cleaning up afterwards - we invited four other families that are very close friends of ours and have a child that is friends with Katie. It was so tough making a guest list, I told Dugald I am not going to survive four weddings. I also had my two lovely babysitters, Hannah and Sophie, come help with running a few games, handing out bandanas, serving drinks, corralling kids and whatnot. They did that, and did it well, but they also helped me prior to the party by making the bunting and then blowing up and putting up the balloons. I am truly blessed - and so is Katie - by all the generous people in our lives that worked hard to make this special for her!!

Matt Sheppard was our photographer for the evening and he got some great pictures, so many that I've put them together into a slideshow here. As the guests arrived we had snacks and a few games while we waited for Katie. The picture of me with my arms up is me trying to herd the kids over to where Katie wouldn't see them right away so they could holler "Surprise!". The mob of girls in a huddle is them all surrounding Katie and hugging her - both Matt and I tried to get her picture as they yelled but sadly we both missed it things happened so fast. Ottilie and Hettie came by which was very special to Katie so there is a picture of all of us together, then we ate dinner, had a few more games and then our main entertainment as the dancers arrived to teach us how to line dance. After the dancing we finished the party with cake and presents.

I think Katie had one of the best nights of her life, and in fact we all had a great time. Thanks to all our sweet friends who came and celebrated with us!!! After the video I'll include some of the best pictures of the family since I know sometimes the grandparents like to print them off the computer and I will also eventually upload to Picasa and send the link to friends and family who might want prints. Lots of love!! xx