A special girl turns sweet sixteen 4842 miles away from home
My birthday is in the middle of July which meant I was always out of school and most of my friends were away and so was I, which meant that my party usually was a “mom and me” thing, usually somewhere in Europe, or where ever we were that July.
Although I don’t have any feelings of being lonely, I did feel a teensy bit sorry for our lovely visiting girl turning sweet sixteen away from her family and, as there were only seven girls in her tour, we decided to have a birthday party and invite the whole bunch for a spaghetti supper, cake and a viewing of Pirates of the Caribbean (Ayaka’s favorite movie).
Morgan, being “one of the girls” picked a chair and resolutely refused to leave the party. Each time I shooed her off she circled the table and jumped right back on her chair.
I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to have a mass of giggling, laughing teens here and I think the energy was really good for the spirit of the house especially after the disaster and during the full-swing-ahead renovations. I’m sure I would have had the same fun on a baja party bus, but this was quite wonderful as well.
Little prezzies were given and received,
The cake was lit and brought in to much cheer and applause. A very loud and rousing Happy Birthday was sung and the candles were blown out.
And everyone was settled under comfy quilts in the library to watch their movie.
A lovely evening and wonderful memories were made today. Memories of a sweet sixteen, a first time alone away from home, a first time in a foreign country, and of good, loving friends.
Sara v
Veronica, you really know how to throw a party!! I love how you took a photo of the girls through the window instead of trying to get a candid at some crazy angle in the house–perfect!! And tiaras are so special, I’m sure the birthday girl was very appreciative. Thank you for the smiles and happy heart 🙂
Veronica
Oh Sara, I’m so glad you have a smile and a happy heart. 🙂
rimassolosailingaroundtheworldm
This so wonderful photos and so a beautiful, please stop on my blog solo sailing around the world
Veronica
Hi Rimas, congratulations on the article. Are you still out there on the water? 🙂
Carol Early Cooney
So lovely! You did a good thing.
Veronica
Aw thank you Carol. She gave me a big hug and said “I love you” after the party. So sweet. 🙂
Patrice
Wow. Veronica that’s so great! Thank you for doing that, It will be a special memory for all the girls. I loved reading the story with the pictures.
Veronica
Hi Patrice, we had so much fun! I took a lot more photos and so today I’m going to print them out so the girls can share them.
Astrid
What a wonderful birthday for her to remember always, especially with the pictures that captured it all.
Veronica
Thank you Astrid, it was a lovely evening. 🙂
Angela
Whar a beautiful thing you did for this girl. She will hold memories of this special day the rest of her life I’m sure
Veronica
Hi Angela, our girl must go to Japan tomorrow already. Wow, 10 weeks goes by fast. We’re sending her back with lots of photos and a promise that we will see her again.