Yesterday saw the entire family together to celebrate Daddy’s birthday–a rare moment in time when all of us could come together in a single room and not be in cities, states, or oceans apart.  I’d say it was a smashing success!

My Autumn themed dinner party included (from left to right) Roasted Maple Glazed Butternut Squash, Chicken Saltimbocca with sautéed herb Mushrooms, and Wild Rice in Mushroom Broth and grilled Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Honey Balsamic Glaze + Fried Sage, just for fun.

Here’s a single close up of a savory dish before a demanding pot threatened to overflow and guests began to arrive and whisked me away from the task at hand:

I also regret not getting a shot of the cake

Daddy’s Dessert Bar + Homemade Banner ^.^

A closer shot of Pumpkin Macarons, Oreo Pops, Miniature Apple Pies, Gingerbread Cupcakes and Pumpkin Dip + Ginger Spice Cookies.

An even closer shot–who knew lattice work for the scaled down version would be so tedious?  I felt like the Giant of Lilliput assembling treats for its inhabitants.

Albeit, it’s unconventional but my brother’s got him a 22 rifle to add to his collection.  You can’t see it, but it’s Daddy grinning ear to ear and looking mighty dapper (I might add) in his new Columbia jacket that his favorite daughter got him

My favorite moments?  In our house, we have a long standing tradition of sharing a wish we have for the person giving us a gift.  Those moments are always special.  Another?  When Daddy takes the birthday cake I took the pains to make picture perfect (with the full intention of snapping a shot of) and slices it every which way so that everyone got the tallest (and skinniest) bar/stack ever, lol–the entire cake menacingly wobbled as he made the slices smaller and smaller but you know, it’s Daddy’s birthday so he gets a pass =)

After dinner, we hiked, took pictures, and laughed at ourselves, knowing that this would be the very last time we’d all be together as a family for at least another year or two.  It’s all very bittersweet you see, but couldn’t have ended on a better note.

I hope everyone else enjoyed their weekend and was able to spend quality time with their loved ones.

…for parting is such sweet sorrow…

Love,

Your Squishy Monster ^.~