A Quarter Century, with Rainbow Chip Frosting

Allow me to introduce my precious GEMS girls (minus one of the co-counselors and her daughter, who couldn't make it). I've been wanting to have these girls over for dinner for a while, but we had to postpone for three Fridays in a row. It was just as well, because having it this week meant we could have a little birthday party. (Don't tell me you've forgotten what tomorrow is...consider this a friendly reminder.)

Steve was a great sport as the house filled up with girly giggles. We enjoyed spaghetti (to my surprise, all the girls ate green beans--something I wouldn't touch without a lot of drama when I was their age) and pigged out on birthday cake and ice cream. Then we spent some time crocheting--Elizabeth (the head counselor) started teaching the girls a few weeks ago. I was totally worn out by the end of the night. But fun times were had by all, I hope--at least, by me. And Steve makes a mean birthday cake, even if it does come from a box. He even made the layer kind, not in a 13x9 pan. AND, I found my must-have candy decorations in a princess theme. Awesome. Should have snapped a picture of the cake ablaze with candles--alas.