Erin's Birthday a.k.a. The Dreaded Music Box

Before I get to Erin's actual birthday, let me put things into context. This will help you understand what comes later. Erin went to a friend's birthday party Friday night. It was a mock sleepover that ended at 9:30, so Erin was up past her bedtime even for a weekend. Here she is in her jammies, carrying her pillow and stuffed animal to the mock sleepover.

She had a great time but was grumpy the next day due to lack of sleep. She got to open a couple presents today, since it's her actual birthday. The rest have to wait until her birthday party in a couple weeks. She was all smiles in anticipation of opening presents.

Inside bag number one: Five "Junie B. Jones" books. Big smiles!!

Now, what could be in bag number two? Could it be a doll? A stuffed animal? Jewelry? Make-up? Drum roll please..........

A music box. This was not something Erin had considered and her reaction showed it.

A little more background: Erin has been playing with one of my music boxes for several weeks and loves it. She has been asking Daddy for a music box for a week, so this music box didn't come from nowhere. She said she wanted one. Anyway, after she had a few minutes to settle down and think about things, she decided to give the music box another chance.

Now, the inside of the music box looks like this, with gum and a toy cell phone:

Erin has always been a big fan of boxes and purses, places for her to store and carry around her treasures. The actual definition of "treasure" is still up in the air, but right now gum and a toy cell phone have the privilege of residing in the music box until she finds new treasures.

Happy sixth birthday, Erin!!