ramona planned such a wonderful little party this weekend. she followed the general guideline that she could invite as many kids as years she's been alive (in this case, 7). she thought about who she'd like to celebrate with, and invited school friends oh-so discreetly to be sure no feelings were hurt. she wanted a small party at home, and she wanted a chocolate cake, and she wanted the party theme to be the beatles (the band, but maybe also the insect?). she wanted to use the pinata she bid on and won at the preschool silent auction this fall. she put on her favorite sweater and biggest smile.it was pretty sweet to watch her nervous and excited energy be channeled into planning, anticipation, and ultimately into enjoyment.
BUT THEN. someone was playing with the landline phone (a guest at the party and our very own sweet james), and possibly someone dared james or tricked james, but james called 911 and then hung up. i heard rumors ripple through the party crowd that 911 had been called. i didn't believe it until the cops pulled up.
ramona hid under the table and cried. james was red cheeked and shocked. the rest of the kids pretended not to notice. the cop at the door was friendly and calm and laughing, saying she got a call from dispatch that a few giggling children's voices were heard on the other end of a 911 call that lasted 2 seconds. (JAMES.) we dragged james and ramona to the front door to see the cop and to receive a harsh warning from the officer that this is most surely a waste of time and resources and takes her away from real emergencies. instead, she told ramona "happy birthday" and gave our kids stickers. then they waved and drove away. so now they maybe think 911 is a sticker delivery service. and i yelled at them. all of them.
but back to the party! ramona dried her tears, discovered that her party had not been ruined, and got down to the business of decorating a party bag,
pinning the tail on a donkey,
smacking a pinata,
blowing out candles from a cake that she generously shared with a friend who had to depart early (note: missing piece of cake),
and smiling big and happy with her buddies.
what a memorable party. what a wonderful 7 year old.
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