birthday.

i originally had visions of a garden birthday party in my backyard,

but you can see how well that would have gone over.

kort couldn't have been happier.

gutter kid.

all the way.

leaf boat races?

he. is. so. in.

special thanks go out to my in-laws'

cherry tree,

and my side-yard

rose garden

for the bounteous (and more importantly, free) centerpieces.

i know, i took way too many pictures...

but cut me some slack,

this was my baby for a day.

(Have you heard of "The Cake Mix Doctor"?

She's the bomb.)

We had chocolate cake

with made-from-scratch chocolate cream cheese frosting

and milk chocolate shavings

and/or

fresh strawberry pie

for dessert.

(i was an "and" girl myself...)

i love them.

there are always some

good times and serious laughs

to be had when

nikki and michele

are in the house

caketime.

ash was so awesome to come and help

chop

and

arrange

and

bake

and

chat

with me,

i was seriously in love with this whole day

beginning

to

end.

thanks ladies...