Grandkids enjoy Midsummer Ball

I missed the first annual Midsummer Ball, but from all reports, it was a rousing success.
My daughter had planned to send the girls to day camp but when she realized she didn’t have their shot records, she had to come up with a new plan. She put in a CD of classical music while she thought about it.
The girls, granddaughter, Emma, and bonus granddaughter, Paige, loved the music. One of the girls said, “We should have a Ball.” At first my daughter said no, but after she thought about it and discussed it with her husband, they said, “Why, not?”
The girls asked for a formal Midsummer Ball. Emma wanted knights with crossed swords guarding the entrance but that idea was quickly vetoed. Fancy dresses and elbow length gloves were bought for the girls with money that had been allocated to pay for the aforementioned camp. Even the boys got new clothes, snazzy black shirts and clip-on ties.
The girls were treated to manicures. They were going to get elaborate hairdos, but the cost proved to be outrageous so that idea was scrapped. Plastic wine goblets were bought to hold the punch. Hubby made chocolate covered strawberries. Pepperoni and cheese bites were arranged on frilly toothpicks. Family and friends were invited with the stipulation that this was to be a dressy event.
Then came dance practice. At first bonus grandson, Nathaniel, said he wasn’t going to dance. He was told, “Oh, yes you are.” He is 10 and at that age, girls, even relatives, are to be avoided at all costs. In the video of them practicing, Nathaniel looks like he is being tortured, while his dance partner, Emma, is doing her best to follow. To his credit he ended by twirling her.
On the other hand, Paige, age nine, and her partner, Jacob, age four, were having fun attempting to slow dance but couldn’t decide who was to lead and who was to follow. I didn’t see two-year-old Nicholas anywhere.
The day of the party Jacob wore his new tie. Apparently he had never worn a tie before because he asked what that thing was hanging down the front of his shirt.
Soon the house was full of cousins and friends. Cousin Kaila had made duct tape ties for herself and her brothers. She is the duct tape queen. Her little brother records her duct tape demonstrations about how to make various creations out of the sticky product. She is quite the creative genius.
The kids actually danced with each other. It helped that the boys weren’t allowed to go outside until they danced with at least two girls. They chugged their punch and asked for more. Apparently plastic wine glasses don’t hold very much.
After the formal part of the extravaganza was over they changed into bathing suits and went outside to play in the kiddie pool. Three of the youngest went missing and were found hiding under the table eating Hershey’s Kisses.
A good time was had by all. I have yet to see pictures of the event. But I am so impressed that my daughter and son-in-law did this for the girls. They had spent the last few weeks watching Nathaniel play baseball and now it was time for the girls to get some attention. The little boys are content to go along with whatever the others decide as long as they are included. It wasn’t that expensive an endeavor and it will be something they will remember for a long time.
I have been told that next year’s annual Midsummer Ball is to be a masquerade and that Grandma and Papa’s presence is requested, if not flat out required. I am looking forward to it; especially the part where I get to hide under the table with the little boys and eat Hershey’s Kisses.[[In-content Ad]]