Heidi's Birthday Party

I always love having an excuse to get together with friends and family and birthdays are one of my favorites. We were especially excited to help Heidi celebrate her birthday last Friday. Even though we (Lucy, Brandon & I) aren't technically related to Heidi (she is the sister to Emily's sister-in-law, Kim, who is married to Adam [Jared's brother] - got that?), we still consider her like family and see her often at family gatherings.

Heidi is one of the most generous, thoughtful persons I know so I had to think long and hard about a good birthday present for her. And what is better than baked goods - specifically yummy, chewy cookies!

We stopped by Ruby Snap to pick up a dozen cookies (and had a coupon to get a free one for me and Lucy to share on the car ride down). If you have never been there, you should go. These aren't just any ordinary cookies. First of all, each type of cookie is given a sassy, kinda old-fashioned name so it is like it has its own personality (I personally like Audrey although I've never tried Vivianna and that sounds very delish - check out the menu HERE). And they have new flavors coming out each month so there is always something new to try. To be honest, I don't go there very often (even though it is conveniently located on the way to my Target) mostly because these cookies are very indulgent. You seriously only need one or even just a half to satisfy your sweet tooth. Even Lucy only ate half of her cookie before giving it to me to finish. But it is fun and the flavor combinations are unique and don't just overpower you with sweet, but with more complex tastes (like bacon or a touch of chipotle!). It is best to get several flavors to share with people so you can try a bunch without being overloaded.

Everything about the store is just so sassy to me. From the cookie names to all the pin-up pictures, and the cute boxes. It reminded me of Heidi. I hope she liked them!

Kim organized the party and brought some lovely flowers. I love taking pictures of the presents all wrapped up so pretty!

The girls were in heaven with each other just playing. Not sure what they were doing up above - one legged downward facing dog?

 
Kim organized a breakfast-dinner. Best. idea. ever. Here she is finishing up the food preparations.

Kim also brought balloons for the birthday girl but Heidi graciously shared them with all the nieces for entertainment purposes.

It is so hard to capture a picture with all three girls happy and smiling. But since they all had their own balloons, it made it a little bit easier.

Heidi is the life of the party. She provides so much entertainment for the girls and they are just drawn to her. She always has some fun game to play that is so simple but the girls are thoroughly charmed.

Here was the delicious spread: fruit salad, potato latkes, french toast casserole, and tomato & prosciutto frittata. The potato latkes with sour cream and applesauce was my favorite. I had never had latkes before and was pretty apprehensive about the sour cream and applesauce toppings but it was so good!

These girls just couldn't get enough of Auntie Heidi.

 And what would a birthday party be without a little crying?

The girls of course, had to help Heidi open her presents.

We ended the night with monkey bread birthday cake.

Happy Birthday Heidi!