A Sixteenth Birthday Party!

 

Marian and Joy

Our oldest granddaughter turns sixteen next month! She and her cousin, Joy planned a beautiful, joint birthday celebration this past weekend. Their families spend a lot of time together, some of it traveling extensively, and Mari and Joy are not only cousins but they are also best friends.

The girls are avid readers with all the imagination that comes from such. They read many of the same books and The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings must be a favorite between them because they chose a Hobbit theme for their party. They also planned it to be a formal affair. Their mothers and families made all the food, including meat pasties, Hasselback potatoes, green beans and salad. Claire made the Hobbit cake with tiny, divinity mushrooms around the bottom. Appetizers artfully arranged as Hobbit-like delicacies were served in the kitchen and Colleen's sewing room, just off the kitchen, was transformed into a candy room with all sorts of cookies and sweet treats. Two bowls of punch were served from a table placed just outside the party tent where the cool night air kept them chilled. About twenty-five young people dined in the formally-set party tent. They were served throughout the evening by the adults. We carried each course out, returned to collect the empty plates, and then set back out with the next course. The tables were beautifully set with china and glass that Colleen thrifted. This included two punch bowls and enough punch glasses to serve the crowd. 

Before and after dinner and cake there was much dancing in the converted garage where Joy's father normally gives dance lessons. All the young people danced the night away to a variety of dances. There were Virginia reels, line dances, slow dances, and many more. What struck me is that all the guests knew all the dances! There was no awkwardness in choosing a partner as boys and girls paired up within seconds of a dance being announced. No one was left out and everyone had a good time. The ages of the young folk ranged from twelve to nineteen years, from middle-school aged to college aged. There is a wonderful social community among home schooled families and it shined this evening.

Much attention was given to Mari and Joy's birthday speech followed by the singing of "Happy Birthday" and raising a toast of sparkling cider. The happiness and exuberance of being young permeated the evening. It must have rubbed off on me because I found myself full of energy long after 10:00pm. The party went on until midnight but Steve and I returned home before then.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girls!