by Sis. Cindy

When each of our five daughters turned 13 we threw a First Lady party for them. Friends and family received an snail mail invitation to “The White House.” The instructions were to come dressed as a First Lady or President (males). Each was to present a 1 minute speech telling us about the one she/he was dressed like. I cooked foods that former Presidents liked. We played games and had a grand old time!

We started this tradition with our eldest, Evangeline, who played Helen Taft, and it was a much anticipated event as each of our five turned 13. Charlotte Vatandoust was Abigail Adams but none of us remember who Justina Adams portrayed! Charlotte remembers that Justina was Lady Bird Johnson!!

Pictured are Martha, (4th) who played Julia Tyler and Priscilla (5th) who was Helen Taft at their parties. Martha wore my wedding dress because Julia Tyler was married in the White House! Mom and Dad always played the Grants and Aunt Donna was at every party as Rosalynn Carter.

I have lots of pictures of each five events and even videos, but all this was done before the digital age and I’m in Arizona far away from the family albums.

When our 1st granddaughter, Iris was born, I said, “Thirteen more years until her First Lady party!!” Iris will make a lovely Melania in three more years…if that’s her choice…Happy Presidents Day!!