Family Birthday Party

We generally hold a family birthday party on the weekend closest to the actual birthday (give or take other conflicts). But this year my birthday party was held a week later than usual (on March 29) since Easter was so early. At noon my Red Hat group had a celebration for me, and that evening was the family party (held at Mom's). The usual suspects were there - Mom, Betsy, Scott, Mark, and Cassie (Paige was involved in rehearsals for a school play). Cassie used my digital camera and took all the photos! Not bad for a six-year-old.

This year I didn't have time to bake a chocolate cake and get ice cream, so I decided to combine the two and try the Cookies & Cream Concrete Cake from Culver's instead - their version of an ice cream cake. Cassie and I really enjoy their ice cream (actually, it's frozen custard but if I point that out to Cassie she'll decide she doesn't like it) and we've been looking at that cake for months. They won't let you order just one slice of the Concrete Cakes - it's all or nothing. So this was the perfect excuse to get one. I have to say, it tasted fine but was not worth that $20.

I brought along the Red Hat balloon from my Red Hat celebration, and used that as the centerpiece for this party. Like the plates? "Aged to Perfection" - can 'ya tell I chose them myself?!

Red Hat Birthday Party

My Red Hat group held a birthday celebration for me on Saturday, March 29, at Village Inn on Normal Blvd near 48th street. Deb H's son is co-manager of the joint and had to be shaking his head at our antics. Our poor waitress had to take our group photo using each person's camera. The other customers were staring at us - obviously wishing they could be part of the fun.

Everyone wore their Red Hat regalia. Diana D. found lots of Red Hat items on eBay and provided the centerpiece including the giant, red hat balloon. Deb H. brought the Red Hat napkins. Kathy J. brought a red, feather boa for me to wear. And being my Red Hat group is also my quilting group, no big surprise that all the gifts involved fabric! Kathy J. was the biggest surprise of all. She had been working on a neat apron at retreat (for her sister-in-law, SHE CLAIMED) that I was coveting. I loved the pattern and she was using the cutest chicken fabric. Surprise, it had been for me all along, everyone knew it, and they were getting a giggle out of Kathy working on it right under my nose.

Deb got me home in time to prepare for the family party that evening.