m o m e n t s (of the birthday sort)

always a birthday table with hanging numbers.  this year we had the mixed message: 123 (which means i love you) along with 12 & 23. her birthday buddy turned twenty three, so it was perfect.




always baby pictures and the storytelling of her birth.


so many hugs and i love you's and happy birthday's and i'm so glad you were born.


a special song written and played by her creative, inspiring, all around wonderful sistah! i mean, brutha!




climbing and a sweet treat on top, limeade to toast their day. (supplied by O.)


The Giving Tree read and discussed.


the first part of her birthday she shared with grandma over the phone today was the evening convertible ride in moby dick, the big white whale.  honking and holla! down through the state park. it was a favorite moment by far.

what isn't shared here are the moments only captured in our minds:
 'funoeing', tipping, leaping, sinking and splashing. swimming, model walking, hair flinging, warming in the sun, water games like marco polo, blind man's bluff & colors.  tamales around the fire, a delicious fruit filled breakfast, words of gratitude.  ice cream and decision making.  relaxing, reminiscing and fingers inter-twined as we drifted off to sleep.

it was a birthday like no other; an all day celebration from one exciting thing to the next.  her birthday brings back memories of connection, strength, wisdom and faith. our last words as we drifted off snuggled close her breath on my forehead:
me, "i love you so very much."
she, "i love you more."
me, "never."
she, "i know."

this love is deep & fierce.
she is a beautiful radiant light, a miraculous creation.