Birthday Celebrations of the present (part 2)

My new friends this year had never been to my house before. I had never cooked dinner for a large group of people before. I had strep throat earlier in the week so couldn't start preparing (cleaning house and food prep) as early as I wanted. People I thought were coming kept having to back out (for legitimate reasons that I totally understand). I had invited people I know from several different venues/times of my life and wasn't sure how they would mesh. People were coming at different times when they got off work or whatever and how was that going to work with everyone needing to eat dinner? ...

... in other words, I had some level of anxiety leading up to my birthday party tonight.

Yet it all seemed to be perfect. I was still cooking when the first couple people got there, so they were able to help with some things. Then we sat down to eat. I had made too much food, but i'm

okay with that being the only thing "wrong". New people came about time some people finished, so everyone was able to sit at the table to eat. I'll let these pictures tell the rest of the fun.

table full of food - jiaozi (chinese dumplings), chao mian (chinese noodle dish), enchiladas, fruit salad.

playing catch phrase

ridiculously delicious cupcakes (thanks Liz)... chocolate peanut butter, triple chocolate, and vanilla

I even had a couple presents to open.

One of my friends found out that night that I play(ed) the cello and asked me to play something for her... so I did.

After most people left, a few friends and I went downstairs and watched a collection of home videos of me growing up. It was really neat to share some of my past with new friends. We laughed a lot... 4 yr old me playing cello looking completely bored, 1st grade me doing ballet, young me messing around with my sister, good times.

It was such a blessing to share this birthday with friends and really be enjoying where I am and what i'm doing this year. Looking forward to what this year will bring.