Yes, Nana a/k/a Pretty had a birthday party on her birthday Sunday, May 21st. at Drew and Caroline’s house where she had the best time! Three-year-old Ella and sixteen-month-old Molly love a birthday party, too so they had almost as much fun as their Nana did. Caroline’s twin sister Chloe and her husband Seth brought nine-month-old Caleb to add to the festivities; Naynay (me) was the official photographer. Viewer discretion is advised!

Nana holds Caleb while Ella explains a birthday gift beside her

Molly said you’re my Nana, hold me

Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!

Nana needed help opening her gifts

Nana and Ella danced to the music Uncle Seth had Alexa play:

the Beatles singing When I’m 64 (which is Nana’s birthday next year)

Daddy and Mama brought cake while everyone sang Happy Birthday!

Molly was her happiest when birthday cake was served

(Ella prefers the icing just like her Nana)

This is my cousin Caleb

he’s a boy

Uncle Seth brough a picture of his great-great grandmother

(she walked the Trail of Tears from North Carolina to Texas – fascinating)

Late in the afternoon when the table was cleared, music stopped, cake had gone to overload mode, Ella asked “Nana, is your birthday over?”

Nana said, “Almost – it will be over when you go to sleep tonight and wake up tomorrow morning, but thank you for my wonderful party!”

Tomorrow became today, and Nana’s birthday was over so she woke up early to go to work in her antique empire, but will she forget her birthday party…not anytime soon. Maybe she will carry these memories all the way until next year “When She’s 64.”

I have been blessed to share Pretty’s birthdays for twenty-two years, but even more I share her values, world view, love of family, kindness, sorrows, and joys every day. Our family has grown over the years, thanks to Drew and Caroline – the new additions have been a bonus I never expected – they are the true icing on our cake.

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Slava Ukraini. Remember the children there and at our own borders. Bless them.