Mad Tea Party

In a spur of "if I don't find something for these kids to do, they're going to end up driving me crazy" I decided that we should have a tea party. This was met with much enthusiasm and when I suggested we invite Louisa, our across the street neighbor, the kids were ecstatic. So, Wolfie made the invitation and Princess helped with some decorations. When they tried to deliver the message to Louisa, she wasn't home and it was a sad, sad moment to watch their little faces fall and walk (well, OK, run) dejectedly back home. But, a few hours later, they delivered the invite and she said she'd be right over. Now, what you must realize is that the original invitation gave me over an hour to get ready. So I planned to set up the table outside, make some yummy sandwiches and goodies and get myself all gussied up and the kids to get their faces cleaned and hair combed. When Louisa wasn't home, I figured I was off the hook. But then, the kids spied her and before I could stop them, off they bolted to deliver the message. Holy Crap! She was coming over in a few minutes and I looked like I had stepped out of a tornado and judging by the clothes I was wearing, I was color blind as well. Luckily, I had made muffins for the next morning's breakfast so we could eat them. And, I quickly made up a pitcher of lemonade, a.k.a. kid's tea.
Then I rushed upstairs (which in and of itself was quite a spectacle) and threw on a black skirt and a clean t shirt. Ran a brush through my wild mane and put on my white hat with flowers that I have exclusively for tea parties. (What, you don't keep a hat for such occasions? Well, remind me to tell you about my tiara that I use when I vacuum.)
Anyway, we had the table set up on the deck, the tea accoutrements ready and over walks Louisa. In her tea hat. Bearing mini cupcakes. Oh joy in heaven!
We had a lovely time drinking tea and when the muffins and cupcakes were devoured (guess next time we need to talk about proper etiquette of eating) the kids ran off to play. Louisa and I continued to sit and chat while the kids ended up breaking the trapeze on the swing set. Who knew kids and chains don't always mix?!
It was a wonderful tea party. While I'm no psychic, I predict more of these in our future.