That akward moment when you take your child to a classmate's birthday party and realize your child is the only child NOT wearing a costume (heartbeat begins racing...now!). As I held Caroline's hand and the other kids came into sight, I quickly realized my cute, little 6 year old was about to be in tears...and there was absolutely NOTHING I could do to prevent the tears from flowing (stomach sinks, I shrink in composure).
Yep, this was our Saturaday evening fun. Caroline was invited to a birthday party at a park that is about 25 minutes from our house. We arrive to discover, it is a costume party. The invitation was sent home in her school bag. It was a "Brave" store bought invitation. The kind where you simply fill-in the blanks.
With Caroline hanging on my leg and on the brink of tears, I walk us down to the pavilion to speak to the other moms. Immediately, I say, "Well, I guess I missed something. Is this a costume party?" I am feeling like the worst mom in the world at this moment. The other moms get out their invitations and say, "Yes, it said it on the invitation, but it was written on the other side. You probably just missed it." I start out saying, "I'm pretty positive ours didn't have that on it"...when I realize the mother of the birthday girl is overhearing the conversation and Caroline who is now sobbing from embarrasement. She says to me, "Oh, I didn't think to remind folks since I put it on all of the invitations." Thankfully, I tamed my tongue and just turned to Caroline where I proceeded to apogize and tell her Mommy had messed up and I was sooo sorry.
I wanted to run to Wal-mart and buy her a costume. Fix the situation. Make it all better. But, I knew that wasn't the best option. I told Caroline that she had a choice to make: We could stay at the party and she could have fun with her friends, OR we could just go home. About this time the other kids ran up and were begging Caroline to come and play (thankfully, no one said, "where's your costume?" Or "what are you suppose to be?").
The mother of the birthday girl, then remembered her daughter's costume had a cape that she was not wearing. She asked Caroline if she would like to borrow it, and Caroline said through tears, "yes." Next thing I know she is off running and playing and having a great time with her friends - whew, Ben and I are relieved!
Of course, the first thing I did when we arrived home - check the invitation...
And I'll have you know, "Wear a costume" was no where to be found!!
Thankfully, Caroline fell asleep on the way home from the party. And I opted to just let the whole fiasco rest with her, hoping she doesn't remember the time Mommy "messed up"...(BUT, not really).
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