Laura's Birthday

Actually, it was the Saturday after Laura's birthday when we finally got together at the pond to celebrate.  Suzanne and Heath even brought some extra guests, Katie and Warren from Texas.  

Suzanne and I came up with a theme.  Since Laura's favorite color is purple, we made it a purple party.  I had a purple candy bar and added purple flowers and purple decorations.  Suzanne made sure the cheesecake that she made for dessert was purple as well as the whipped cream.  

We were very pleased to have Katie and Warren visit but they got a bit distracted from the birthday celebration.  First, they had to meet Della.  Then they checked out the new pontoon boat.  

Eventually though, everyone came back inside for a birthday meal.  Heath made three types of fajitas- steak, chicken and vegetable- with some help from his friends and wife.  He also contributed his homemade guacamole and I made the sides including Mexican quinoa.  

Laura got many presents.  One was an electric fondue pot.  It came with a cheese fondue recipe that Laura decided to try out.  One of the items the recipe recommended for dipping into cheese fondue was soft pretzels and, by coincidence, Laura received a box of soft pretzel mix too.  So for the next few days, she was kept busy cooking.  

However, she did send me this picture after she finished cooking and eating.  I think her point was that making fondue will remain a special occasion only event.  

I was pleased.  Another successful family party event planned and held at the pond.  Now the pressure is on for Thanksgiving.  Emily will not be here and we have to find someone else to cook the turkey and stuffing!