Packing

Did you know that a girl considers many things to be "essential" when preparing for a sleepover? Naturally, one must include pajamas, a toothbrush, a change of clothes . . . and every single American Girl catalog ever printed.

Papa and Noni came over this morning to collect our daughter (and all of her worldly possessions) for the annual cousin pair-off sleepover. Bethie and Alainna were the lucky pair number one. My first clue that this was going to be a rather large event was Bethie's desire to bring a suitcase. For one night. I mentioned in my last post that I've been trying to say "yes" to my children more often rather than the automatic (and often less messy) "no." So I smiled and said that she could bring the suitcase.

She started packing days ago. (Did I mention that the sleepover was to last one night?) Frequent phone calls and email chats between the cousins served only to lengthen the list of things that were deemed necessary to be included in the packing. Beanie Babies were piled high. American Girl clothes were added to the suitcase alongside the Bethie Girl clothes. It was also apparently quite necessary for Bethie's doll to bring her horse, dog, cat, scooter and school desk. She might want to catch up on homework, you know.

I'm not sure when Bethie woke up this morning. But I know it was long before my feet hit the floor. She and Alainna continued to phone and email right until Papa and Noni's chauffeur service arrived.

Papa's eyes widened slightly at the staggering pile that was to be added to the already bulging trunk. (Alainna was apparently equally as ambitious in her packing. My sister said "yes" to the suitcase, too.) He pointed tentatively toward the mound of animals, "Is all this coming?" The girls nodded vigorously. And Papa quietly began the trek from house to car, arms full of Beanie Babies, sleepwear and catalogs (no doubt reminding him of two other little girls that tended to pack rather enthusiastically . . . once upon a time).

They finally drove off, all smiles, eager for the many plans that awaited. I shuddered to think of what Papa and Noni's house would look like once the multitudinous treasures were strewn about. But I knew that all four of them would have a blast. And I also knew that Bethie's doll's head was going to be very well protected. That helmet just had to come. Because you never know when you might need a helmet.