13 is just the start of it Ellie! These days our offspring think it’s their due to celebrate becoming a teenager (if they are not too angst ridden with the woes of the world and the fact that they have such embarrassing parents). Then it’s turning 16 (the sex thing), 17 (passing theory AND driving tests – obviously warranting two separate occasions). Naturally a big bash for 18 ( the now it’s legal to drink, vote and leave home thing) and an even bigger celebration to mark 21 (sadly they are usually still living at home despite their reaching independent adulthood!)
In my experience, it was my son’s 16th that was the most tricky. It was a pool party at our house, well attended, not too noisy and no one got drowned. But what did amaze us, was the way there were a considerable number of uninvited guests who had just turned up on spec and who were not in the least embarrassed about climbing over fences, walls and through dense bushes to gain admittance and join in the fun. Word had got out that there wouldn’t be a shortage of booze – my cunning plan to avoid them hiding bottles of Blue Label vodka (no doubt appropriated from their parents’ drinks trays) in the bushes along our drive, with the idea of retrieving them once they felt no one was looking. Needless to say that particular cunning plan did not work. But another one did: we made up a “lethally strong” cocktail and told my son that he was only to give everyone a small glass because it was so potent. Actually it was mostly lemonade, but they all fell for it.
Anyhow, if it’s any help Ellie, how about a pink sleepover for your gorgeous daughter’s 13th? They can have a pasta supper (tomato and cream sauce on spaghetti), then decorate some bought cupcakes with pink icing, flowers etc, watch a girly film and have a strawberry milkshake before crawling into their sleeping bags. Greetings from sunny Turkey, Grace xx
As much as I’d love to her to have a pink party, I think she’d rather do a three day Army Bootcamp on Dartmoor! Happy Hols Grace. Ellie x