A Shocking Surprise Party

Ellie asked for a surprise party this year, so like a good mom, I planned it, inviting a few of her friends. But when Ellie walked in the house to hear a loud "surprise!" she was shocked. And not in a good kind of way. In the kind of way that made me as a mom want to just go find a relaxing hot tub some where. My child, who never ever has a loss of words, was speechless. She was upset for oh, about 20 minutes. But when Whiskers the Clown appeared, and our good friend Claudia started the face painting (isn't it wonderful? Face painter for hire) then she forgot all about her embarrassment and enjoyed her seventh birthday party. I think