More Birthday Celebrating...

Julie's two sisters, Joy and JoAnn decided to celebrate their birthdays together this year. Joy turned 35 today (Nov. 4) and JoAnn turned 29 last Thursday. Since Joy lives in Washington State, John, JoAnn and I traveled 4+ hours on Friday to reach her home. We enjoyed a dinner together on Halloween evening, using a tradition that we started when they were just small. We got some dry ice and put in in some apple cider.... to make it boil, boil, 'double, double, toil and trouble." We served it with some yummy tortellini chicken soup and cheese bread that Joy made.

On Saturday night 8 of us went to the Cheesecake Factory in Portland. It was a wonderful place for a special celebration. Here's Joy enjoying her slice of cheesecake with a candle.

The cheesecake is presented so beautifully, especially when you tell them it's your birthday! This is Joy's selection....raspberry white chocolate, her favorite.
And here's JoAnn enjoying her piece of Creme Broulee' cheesecake. I think the staff thought the girls were twins after we told them that they were both celebrating their birthdays....we got a laugh over that.

Before Church on Sunday morning, Joy made up three 'Dutch Baby' casseroles. It takes a lot to feed her large family along with three guests! This is a quick, pretty, and yummy breakfast. It is especially good with a twist of fresh lemon and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. (Also good with Joy's wonderful homemade raspberry freezer jam). It's amazing how family celebrations are often centered around good food. I suppose that's why the Holy Days were often called feasts and festivals in the Old Testament.

Well, now the fall birthdays are over, and simmering as good memories.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOY, we love you!