9-year old night owls - Party Day part #1

It is hard to believe that Grace will be 9 in two days.  She is an incredible kid who is really trying her best to figure out the world and her place in it.  I love how she is kind, curious. and interested in so many things.  I hope I can convince Grace to let me do a 9-year old photo shoot sometime soon so I can get some great photos of the beautiful little (big?) girl she has become.

Third grade has been a bit of a challenge.  This year, the academics have seemed to be more difficult and social relationships have taken on more emphasis.  There are only 6 girls in Grace's class (with 14 boys!) which doesn't matter too much to her since she is okay being active and running around with the boys.  But for her birthday party, Grace asked to have a sleepover.  So...the "night owl" party theme was born!

I turned to Pinterest for ideas and came up with these cute invitations that we mailed to the girls in her class. Who doesn't love getting REAL mail?

On the day of the party, Grace had a piano recital in the morning.   We love Grace's new piano teacher and she has really shown growth this year.  Her piece was called "The Hippo and the Rhino", a cute, upbeat song about the two animals sitting down to tea!

I am not going to lie - the recital stressed me out a bit because I wanted everything to be perfect and ready.  I kept telling myself that they are 9-year olds and whatever we do will be fine.  And, truthfully, Grace and Kyle helped SO MUCH that getting the house ready was easy-peasy.

Thanks to flowers from Nana, Oriental Trading,  and dollar store finds, the dining room and kitchen are ready for a party.

Last year, Grace was considering an owl-theme party and then changed her mind in favor of going to the art studio for a pottery class.  I had a woman I know make these cute owl pillows that have been sitting in the garage for a year.  They are perfect for an owl adoption activity where the girls can name their owl and tell what it likes to do.

We also have a cookout, a craft, S'mores, and "Minute to Win It" games planned.  And, I hope to wind things down around 9:30 by putting a movie on Netflix with lights out at 11:00.  Is that wishful thinking?