On Friday, Madeleine (my baby) turned Sweet 16! The day that she has been talking about for months had finally arrived. To say she was excited would be a terrible understatement. The highlight of the day occurred right after school when I took her to the dreaded DMV to get her driver's permit. She passed the test with flying colors (highest score of the day, according to the test proctor)! After that we celebrated with shoe shopping (!) and dinner at Olive Garden (her choice) and then more shopping at Ulta for make up. It was an afternoon and evening made in teen girl heaven! (Geoff begged off on the shopping, but he did enjoy the dinner!)
Then on Saturday, Madeleine celebrated her birthday with her friends. For months she thought about how to have the perfect Sweet 16 birthday party. Her first choice was to have a dinner/dance at a restaurant complete with a DJ and fancy decorations. I know that big Sweet 16 parties are common in some parts of the country, but here in RI they are not. I think she got her grandiose ideas from the TV show My Super Sweet 16. Geoff and I had to quickly disavow her of any idea that we would spring for a big blowout. She was disappointed and for a few weeks we tried to plan a scaled down event that wouldn't feel too lame. But we couldn't make it work. Then Geoff hit upon a great idea. How about if we looked into renting one of the two small independent movie theaters in Providence. Madeleine liked this idea and when we called both theaters we were happy to hear that they both are available to rent for private parties. And it's affordable! We chose the funkier of the two theaters, The Cable Car Cinema, that has a small cafe in front and sofas in addition to regular theater seating.
It worked out beautifully! Madeleine was able to invite as many people as she wanted (up to 100) for the same rental price plus a small per person popcorn/soda charge.
And after the movie, we were able to use the cafe to serve cake. The party was sufficiently "cool" that Madeleine felt that it was special and all her guests were impressed to have the whole theater to themselves.
And after the movie, we were able to use the cafe to serve cake. The party was sufficiently "cool" that Madeleine felt that it was special and all her guests were impressed to have the whole theater to themselves.
We were even able to bring our own movie. She chose Sixteen Candles, of course! It was the perfect choice! Madeleine ended up having her own toned version of My Super Sweet 16, after all.
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11 comments:
Happy Sweet 16 to your baby! It sounds like you made it a very special day for her.
Happy Sweet Sixteen to your beautiful daughter.
Oh my goodness, Birthday parties seem to have become very organised affairs since my girls were that age! It was a long time ago though Pam, my baby is 27 in a few months time!!!
What a great idea! I hadn't heard that was going to be her party. Sounds like it was a hit. Happy Birthday, Madeleine!
I completely love the movie theater idea!!
the cake looked yummy too.....great job on parent's part!
Pam, dear Pam, how can it be you will now be in the passenger seat more than the driver seat with her....and in one short year, another teen driver in the house.
I'm so glad I have 3 more years!!!
Happy sweet sixteen! A fun birthday year!
Happy Birthday to Madeleine! The party sounds wonderful - I wish we had something like that around here, but I don't think we do.
Oh how sweet! 16, such a magical age in so many ways! the party looked great and I am glad you didn't the HUGE gala...
What a great party idea. Love that location.
Now, how did you have your youngest when you were only 6??
What a great idea! And what a great movie! How much fun. I may have to remember this for when my girls turn Sweet 16! :)
Ah, how sweet. My baby girl "Sheldon" turned 21 last fall and organized her own party at a Chinese place, a fun time had by all.
What an awesome birthday party!
And Madeleine is beautiful, too!
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