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Seventy and Beyond

The Brown Family (minus some really important people - Jord, Shirl and all the kiddies).  Celebrating my mom's 70th birthday!
I just love birthdays! ...the planning, the preparation, the party, the cake, the presents - who doesn't like a good party?  Earlier this month my mom turned 70!  Hard to believe because she doesn't look a day older than 55.  She has never been one to plan extravagant parties for herself and this milestone of a birthday was no exception.  On her actual birthday she opted for a simple dinner with her dad (my grandpa), her 3 grandkids, my husband and I.  I baked her cupcakes and my grandfather treated us all to a family favourite.. Swiss Chalet.  It was quiet and cozy - just the way my mom likes it.
Vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting and fondant flowers.
 
Just hanging with baby Jack.
 
 
Celebrating her actual birthday with all her grandkids.  Miss Georgia can't get enough cake!  ...what about dinner?
 
This birthday was a little different - because the celebration didn't end there.  The following weekend we celebrated again with my moms closest friends and family.  I couldn't have been happier for my mom.  She had the perfect party, just the way she wanted it and she looked absolutely fabulous!  My mom's sister Joanne and her partner Shirl arrived the day prior to help with all the preparations.  My grandfather was also a huge help. He supplied all the beverages and alcohol. I was busy all day Saturday and into the evening baking the birthday cake.  This is something I love doing!  When given the opportunity to make a cake I spend hours planning, prepping and creating.  My go to girl for advice is one of my besties, Shannon Doggett (From Nanny's Little Baker).  You can check out her yummy creations on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Nannys-Little-Baker-556443047766544/.  I also love Pinterest to get those creative juices flowing...sometimes you just need some inspiration and what better place to find it?  It's like your own personal inspiration board (for literally everything in life) - I can't get enough of it!  I also volunteered my somewhat decent photography skills for the day of the party ...but unfortunately I forgot my camera and had to send my hubby home to get it - best guy ever!  Always there to back me up.  Here are some of those memorable moments I caught on camera...
The birthday cake!  Chocolate with Vanilla Frosting, handmade fondant roses and mini chocolate chips.
 
 
Part of the gang!
 
Long time friends Susan and Steven.
 
A closer look the fondant roses - all handmade days in advance.  The fact that you can make them ahead of time is great!  They are very time consuming.
 
A beautiful bouquet of roses given to my mom from my grandpa and family.  He never forgets a birthday, a Valentine's Day or a Mother's Day.  Something tells me someone is going to have to continue this tradition someday.
 
The table display...I arrived a little late so some of the food was already eaten!
 
My Aunt Joanne and Jord...a pair of goofballs!
 
Ginette and Dominique.
 
Just chillin with his grammas (Nana and Grandma).
 
Marg from my mom's reading club.
 
This is a keeper!  ...and Congrats to Jeff (far right), he's getting married in the spring!
 
Another keeper!  Definitely a family resemblance.
 
Just love the look on my mom's face!  Pure joy - love her to pieces!
 
All set to go!
 
Make a wish!
 
How cute are these two?  Funny faces!
 
My grandpa can't get enough of baby Jack!
 
Long time friend Mary...These two have been friends as long as I can remember!
Unfortunately I wasn't able to capture every moment or individual but those of you whose photo I didn't capture - your presence was not forgotten!
 
All in all in was a beautiful celebration!  I quote my Aunt Joanne, "While we don't wish you another 70 years, we do wish you a happy and healthy decade ahead!".  My mom said the best part of turning 70 was being surrounded by friends, family and extended family...and of course celebrating it with her father who turns 98 next month.  Another milestone birthday for this family!  I look forward to sharing this upcoming celebration with all of you!
 
If the worst part about getting older is having to scroll down your computer screen in order to find your birth year...you can count your blessings!  Happy Birthday Mom!!   

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