cheers to mike . . .

is the one thing i forgot to do last saturday when we celebrated mike's 40th birthday. i hosted a party at my house and about a million people showed up. i spent the day (along with Erik, Kate, Meghan, Kelly, and Sumner) cleaning, decorating, cooking, etc . . . finishing up just before the first guests arrived. once people started coming, its seems that they didn't stop. my house was packed and loud and frankly i don't remember much of the evening. i was flitting about doing the host thing. . . making sure everything was okay. . . i really do need to learn to relax. no, actually i did have a lot of fun, but it was a crazy night. as kelly said the next day, it was a great example of people showing up to honor mike's greatness.

if i had slowed down a bit i may have remembered to take the time to give a toast to the guest of honor. i would have been able to say what an amazing friend he is and how much he's changed my life. i would have been able to say thank you for all you do and may this party just be a small reminder of how much you are loved. i would have been able to say that you rock mike and we are all better because we know you!!!!!! sooooooo, since i didn't get to say it last saturday, this will have to do.

cheers to you mike, you're the best! happy happy 40th!

millie's birthday was the day before mike's so her husband andy surprised her with a cake too.

the next morning before i cleaned up i captured what was left of the decorations. you can see the pictures in front of the window. i scavenged through old family photos that kate had and blew up a few choice shots from babyhood on up. it was really fun to see him in all his various stages.