Happy 40th birthday, Ben!

Today is Ben's 40th birthday! We were supposed to celebrate with a big family birthday party at Salaam, but unfortunately we are still in COVID-19 quarantine life. We still found plenty of ways to celebrate!

The cherry trees are blooming and today was a beautiful, sunny day. We took Felix down to the trees and had a picnic!



We got carry out from Bagel Street Deli. This is the Pretzel Carruso.



Wendy's Way.



Reuben.



The bagels were delicious, and it was nice to get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine!











Little Kate dropped off a birthday surprise! She baked these sea salt chocolate chunk cookies for Ben.



We had a socially-distanced happy hour Zoom call with lots of friends and family! It was nice to see everyone!



Ben requested Philly cheesesteak skillet for his birthday dinner. Yum!! Local flank steak with mushrooms and provolone.



And Smitten Kitchen's Sour Cream-Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Chocolate-Peanut Butter Glaze for an epic birthday treat worthy of a fortieth birthday.



That right there is forty candles, ladies and gentlemen!



With coffee ice cream. Yum!! Happy birthday, Ben! Welcome to the forties club!

Epic Women-Only Dance Party Sleepover

Summer's birthday was earlier this week, and she celebrated by hosting an epic women-only sleepover dance party this weekend. DJ Barticus brought his DJ station and lights! He was the only man allowed in the house (J was out of town). It was so amazing to be surrounded by so many wonderful ladies, and we danced our butts off for hours and hours!

Less than a week later, Ohio was asked to shelter in place as the world responded to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Although we didn't know it at the time, this was the last time we would see each other in person for a very long time!



Summer and Billie!



Susan!



Summer had Mauvette cater a delicious Jamaican buffet.



Spicy jerk chicken, Yaad-style oxtail, herb vegan bean cakes, shrimp macaroni and cheese and a slew of sides.



Back to the dancing!












When my one request of the night (Billy Joel's Tell Her About It Jellybean Remix) came on, I didn't have to ask Summer twice to go get her sequin jacket out!






Sparkles!!!



BFF.



Vana and Kayla!



Sisters!















Emily!



Yumi!









Kara was the last dancer standing!



There was also hot tub fun and delicious brunch fun the following morning. This party filled my heart so much, it's nice to look back on these pictures during the coronavirus quarantine!