Katy threw an epic party, and I can't thank her enough for planning it all out! She made an italian cream cake, a fresh fruit tray, and fajitas for our guests. She even went out of way to learn how to make papa a la huancaina and causa rellena con pollo! I also have to thank my sister for making her awesome cucumber salad and my mom for making her delicious ensalada rusa and flan!
This was the first party we had hosted since our post wedding party. The middle leaf was added to the dining room table, extra chairs were brought into the living room, and the patio furniture was set up. Even though it was about 1/4 of the size, everyone made us feel so loved. And it was also a lot more manageable! Good times were had in good company.
Then the candles were lit and the "Happy Birthday's" began. It was at that moment that I realized how truly blessed we were. I was blessed with 10 months of having Katy as my spouse. My Mom was blessed with another cancer-free year. My Dad was blessed with an another injury-free year. My sister was blessed with another successful academic year. And the list go on...I began to reflect on past years, and think about future ones.
Towards the end of the day, we took a walk to the park. Our attention shifted over to my Dad and my uncle Lorgio as they broke out in a friendly twig duel. Their shuffle seemed to have come straight from a "Three Stooges" skit, and the laughter was really contagious. I had to try it, so I challenged Pedro next. It was great to run around the park like a kid again. And from seeing my parents and uncles try, I would say they thought it was great fun also. I suppose it's one of those things won't change with age.
Each year, what we hope for is love, life and happiness. We experience this in different ways. Perhaps in dinner company with old friends. Perhaps in receiving news of a daughter's pregnancy. Perhaps in consoling a brother during a time of loss. Each one of these moments is an opportunity to give thanks to God. Never take it for granted!
To all of our family and friends that stopped by, thanks for spending time with us! And those that couldn't make it, we hope to spend time with you soon!