Today the girls had another birthday party. This party was for Kayla's best friend. We've been seeing Emma and her family pretty often and they've been wonderful with regards to Kayla. They both have been very conscious of Kayla and have inquired quite a bit as to how to keep the party safe for Kayla. Their menu consisted of some snacks - nuts, tostitos, pretzels, veggies and dip and then fajitas. I knew the fajitas would include shredded cheese. But for the dip Jen had asked me for a safe dip and since they were willing to go out of their way, I offered to supply the dip since it can be a pain to find the safe sour "cream" and it's always pricier. So I brought the dip and pretzels for the party. Then a few days ago, they even asked for a fake cheese substitute. The question blew me away and of course I told them they are available, but I would never ask them to serve it to their friends. I know some kids like it, but Kayla does not and neither to J or I. Plus it doesn't melt. ;)

So at the party today, they blew my socks off when I went in the house to eat (J and I eat in shifts at parties) to find out that they decided to forgo the cheese. Jeff had also gone over all the other food when we got there and without the cheese, it meant it was a completely dairy-free birthday party (OK - until you got to cake time). I almost wanted to cry. This was the first time anyone (outside of family) has made a party dairy-free for Kayla. She was so excited to have everything be safe for her (even if she'd never touch a fajita). J and I did not have to eat in shifts and the party was even downright, dare I say...enjoyable? Relaxing even. And my fellow Allergy Moms and Dads know the last word we would use to describe a birthday party is relaxing. This day meant so much to J and I, especially coming on the heals of last weekend's disaster. I just hope that I was able to adequately convey my gratitude.

This relaxing and fun environment (along with their very nice and friendly friends) made it even more sad that we had to leave the party early. Usually food (cake, etc) pushes us out of parties early, but today it was for a much sadder reason. My Great Uncle died on the 18th and we were attending the viewing that was an hour away. So we had to leave the party earlier than we wanted to, but at least the girls got to play some games and be there for the pinata. Kayla of course was upset to leave, but what kids wants to leave a party. And on the way home she told me she had felt safe there. That's all I need to hear to know that these new friends of ours are keepers.

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As for their sleep-over? I was the sleep-over that never went. At 9:30 when the running around and slamming of doors would not stop, I went upstairs to find all their pillows and dolls and books in Alysa's room. They wanted to sleep in there. But since she's still in a toddler bed, that would not happen. Then Alysa said she wanted to sleep in her room. I think they were both exhausted, but did not know how to wind down. So maybe another night...