Birthday Beauties

For her birthday party, AJ opted for a sleepover with 3 of her closest friends.  On the one hand it is so nice to have girls who are a little older and don't require a parent for constant supervision.  On the other hand I was amazed by how much noise and craziness 4 pre-teen girls can make.  Whew.

Anyway.  We started the sleepover by making individual pizzas and then did presents and cake.  AJ requested a marble cake and wanted to decorate it herself.  I was so happy to comply.

Her friends know her well.  She got a cheetah lamp, a BFF picture holder, a temporary tattoo sprayer, decorate your own flip-flops, and a hair beader.  Can you tell how much fun they had just opening presents?!  They are all FULL of personality.

After that the girls headed downstairs and entertained themselves doing make-up and playing Just Dance 2 on the Wii. 

Then in an effort to help them settle down, I gave them each a mini facial.  We washed off their make-up and then I put cucumbers on their eyes and applied mud masks.  While the masks were drying they each got a little neck massage.  They did settle down quite a bit for the facials and were really cute about it.  They kept making comments like, "Wow, this is really relaxing," and "My face has never felt so clean; I think I can feel my pores clearing out," with a reply of  "Yeah I think I won't have any more zits after this." One friend said, "This feels really good.  How does your mom know how to do this?"  AJ's reply, "Because she's awesome!"  

Then one of the girls said, "Let's all hold hands; I read online that can really help people relax."  Admittedly I had to stifle a few giggles throughout this whole process; good thing their eyes were covered so they couldn't see me smiling.

The hot wash cloths may have been their favorite part of the whole thing.  Lot's of exclamations of delight as I put them on their faces and then wiped away the mask.

After facials I set up a popcorn bar and they settled down for a movie with their snacks.  If only they had fallen asleep then... instead they were up ALL. NIGHT. LONG.  Oh well, when has sleep ever been part of a slumber party anyway?

Here is AJ the next afternoon, making up for all of the fun she had the night before...