In July, my oldest daughter Ashley turns five. Every day I get a different request for a birthday party anywhere from a cheerleading party to a sleepover. I am not completely opposed to the sleepover idea. I would only allow a few kids, and getting pizza and renting a movie would be much less expensive than the going rate at Jump Zone. Plus, I am thinking something a little more low key would be great. And for those who are not comfortable with the idea, those kids could do a “half-sleepover” and stay until bedtime but still get dressed in PJ’s and have fun.

Ashley is not new to sleeping over. We have vacationed with friends and she has slept in the same room as her friends (maybe not completely successful as my daughter is definitely a talker). We also have friends who moved here when we did from Virginia. We went to college together, and their daughter Jordan is nine months older than mine. About a year ago, my oldest stayed over at their house for the night and spent the next day with them. Ashley and Jordan get along great…the only problem is my daughter is an early riser and Jordan? She could sleep until 10:00am (yes, I am completely and utterly jealous).

My friend called me at work to give me an update on their day. I was informed that Ashley was fine, but that Jordan was tired and “a wreck” but they were headed to McDonald’s. She said they were discussing their drink options, and how they both wanted chocolate milk. Then Jordan asked what if they had only one chocolate milk. To which Ashley replied that she could drink soda, but she can't have beer as there is no beer at McDonald's. Yes, we have schooled our daughter on which eating establishments have beer and which don't.

So I think Ashley can handle the sleepover part. What I am worried about is the number of kids (do I limit it to three? Four?) and is movie and pizza and ice cream enough? Should I plan some crafts?

Amy appears every Wednesday on TriangleMom2Mom. Read more about Amy at A Family Story.