This summer, Julia has hosted her classmates each Friday for a party. When she told me about her idea as school came to a close, I was excited but nervous.

I wasn’t sure how it would work since Mary Alice would be so new. She assured me that she would come up with the theme and ideas. She and Nate promised to help tidy and prep snacks. At this point, I really had no reason to say ‘no’.

One thing Brian and I prayed for was a good group of friends to help keep her grounded. At her previous school, there just really wasn’t anyone that she clicked with. The last two years have been so different. I love her group of school friends. They may just be the sweetest group of girls ever. (She has a group of girls at church who are precious, too). I am so thankful that she has found friends who share her interests.

I’ve learned to look at the parents. If the parents have similar rules and values, chances are, their kiddos will get along with your kids.

We’ve had all sorts of fun themes this summer: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Secret Agents, and Oldies.

I’m so glad that I said yes. Over the summer, this day became my favorite. I looked forward to every theme (and tried very hard to not be the crazy mom that stayed for the entire party!).

They took their inspiration from Julia Child, Grace Kelley, and Lucille Ball. They played awesome music and ate a ton of chocolate – just as a party should be!

I’m already looking forward to next summer! Thank you, girls, for being such awesome friends to my baby.