The Best Birthday Gift Ever!!!!

Ok, as birthday's go... only children generally have it made. The entire family waits all year for your birthday and usually goes all out. My birthday has been a huge celebration for as long as I can remember but as the years have progressed the emphasis on the day has generally regressed, not by my choice but just becuase that's what happens when you get older and have your own kids. Honestly, I have been a little melancholy about the lack of empasis on my birthday in the recent past and have reduced my expectations dramatically. This year, I expected a small gathering at my mom's with cake and a few presents but no big deal. Well, that is what was on MY calendar but a few other people had much bigger plans.

After delivering food to people in the pouring rain and looking like a wet dog I came home to house all decked out for a party and lots of chairs around a couple of tables. I was especially curious to see the portable baby booster as one of the seats around the table. My curiousity lead me down and path of pondering... WHO might Jim have invited to my birthday that has a BABY!? I could only think of one person but the possibilities of that person arriving at my house were near impossible since she lives many hours away and has 4 children. As I redid my hair and make up from the drenching they had been through I kept peeking out the window to see who might be arriving at my house. Finally, I peek out to see Jim driving up the driveway with my dearest friend Katie in the front seat of the car waving with her super happy smile and 2 of her 4 beautiful babies in the back. I instantly turned into a pile of mush with tears flowing from my eyes at the happiness I felt. What better gift could I have asked for than for one of the most special people to have ever come into my life to arrive at my doorstep for my birthday. Katie was only able to stay about 18 hours which is far too short but I will cherish every minute spent laughing with her face to face and seeing our children play like old friends for the rest of my life. 34 is not a big birthday but it will be one I remember and cherish always. Thank you, my precious friend, for this gift.

This is Ava, Katie's 4 yr old. Nolan cried harder than any of us when his new pal Ava left.