Birthday Party

Here's another one of the unexpected joys of a grandparenthood helpfully provided by My Beloved; a little girl's tea party. Because I never had children of my own, I didn't anticipate being invited to a birthday party for a seven year old who, when asked what she wanted for her birthday, replied, "A crown with real jewels and a horse." When her aunt pointed out that the horse might be a bit of a problem in a suburban neighborhood, Mia replied, "Well, in that case, a pony would be okay." My Beloved's smart genes are in there, for sure!

She also had firm ideas about what sort of birthday party she would have. A tea party, with finger sandwiches and petit fours, please. So, here's the splendid table her mother set for her party, complete with balloons, fresh flowers, and tea service. Mia wore her favorite dress that her Boston grandmother gave her, all white satin and sequins and glitter, complete with a bridal veil with satin flowers across the top. Everywhere she has been in the house sparkles gently as the dress sheds a bit.

She even supervised her mother's wardrobe, rejecting very fashionable boots in favor of silver high heels, and asking plaintively if her mother didn't have at least one long dress. She curated her mother's jewelry, too, insisting on a very sparkly necklace with gigantic jewels. They rivaled the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond - perfect for our budding gemologist.

Mia made crowns for each of us from a kit her father found, carefully selecting and gluing fabulous gems, stickers, and pompons to each one, so we all became instant royalty. As we sat down to tea, the balloons bobbed gently above our heads. We passed the plates of sandwiches and petit fours, saluting the birthday girl with our tea cups.

I can only imagine the memories running through Mia's head that night as she drifted off to sleep. The party was perfect in every way and her presents were all spot on for her. No, she didn't get the horse (although we did give her a gift certificate for a riding lesson) and the crowns didn't have real jewels, but the rest was just as a little girl might wish.

Happy Seventh Birthday, Mia!  Being your grandmother is one of the best things in my life.