Summer birthdays never end

I think I've mentioned before that--except for the fact that it takes twelve days to drive across--Texas is a small state. It shrinks the world and brings all kinds of folks you know into its borders. Lucky for me!

My first year teaching I had the pleasure to teach with Diana. She is Texan through and through, which, I will admit, scared me just a little at first. But I soon learned that she is just plain awesome! Smart and fun and gracious and beautiful and super competent. (She also planted the tiny seed in my mind that living in Texas might not be the end of the world after all. That's how persuasive she is!)

Finally, after eight years, our paths finally crossed in Texas. Her daughter Audrey was having a birthday celebration, and we were invited to join in the festivities. After summer camp was a bust, a good, fun birthday party was just what the kids needed. And I was anxious to see a good friend!

David and Mary dived into the fun. Here they are swinging with Audrey (on the far right) and her cousin (when your own cousins aren't available, just borrow someone else's).

Mary decided right away that Audrey was the cat's meow. She announced to me frequently, "I like Audrey." And, as you can see, she tried to stay really close to her.

(I'm not sure how Audrey felt about her new shadow.)

After hot dogs and watermelon, the kids enjoyed the slip and slide.

Then it was time for cake and ice cream. This was not just any old "cake and ice cream." This is Texas, and Diana is Texan, meaning that girl knows how to host a party: You can never have too many beautiful, delicious desserts.

The ice cream was deliciously homemade, both vanilla and also vanilla heaping with fresh strawberries.

The cake came in three varieties.

Red velvet cake pops. Real, honest to goodness, Texan red velvet cake. Pops. What a treat!

Now, this is a delectable sprite cake with strawberry butter cream icing. What I want you to notice is how perfectly it's frosted. PERFECTLY. It's simple, elegant, and perfect! Diana is one of those people who are so beautiful on the inside and out that they make everything around them beautiful.

And look at these cupcakes! Have you ever seen cupcakes frosted so perfectly?

And so delicious! Strawberry cupcakes with a cream cheese filling...and that chocolate frosting, of course.

Mary could not stop eating them.

Audrey definitely enjoyed the cake too.

Then it was time to open presents. Very exciting!! My kids had to be right up in the action. Mary insisted on being close...

really close...

Between hot dogs and cupcakes and presents and little girls running to the potty, Diana and I did have a chance to catch up some. We talked about homes and Seattle and motherhood and leaving teaching. And what to do with all of our teaching materials! I love Diana. I admire her, as a teacher, a friend, a mother.

I can't wait until Texas brings us together again!

By the way, you can see/read more about this beautiful family on their blog.