I do agree with the "too many variables". The staying overnight part in a hotel with other people lurking was the deciding factor for me. We did allow her to go to the swimming party and picked her up at 8:30 when things where finally winding down. She was happy to come home. She did have her lifejacket on and their was a kiddie pool next to the big pool, where she spent most of the time. I must admit though, being with her friends in the water and even going down the water slides gave her that extra confidence. She was awesome the next day at swimming classes.
I'm not sure if I will ever be totally comfortable with the sleepover parties...she's invited to another one this weekend at a friend's house. This time she wants to spend the night. My husband suggested: is it because she's not ready or I'm not ready. Well, in all honesty, she's my little girl who I love to bits and its hard to watch them be independent. I still some days get emotional when I drop them off to school and they are in grade 2. But that's just me, I'm still learning how to be a parent and I guess most would agree its not easy.
Thanks for the inputs.
LCMM