We all gathered at Bourbon Street Seafood Kitchen near the Dominion for Cynthia's birthday a week late, but that didn't seem to matter. It was the first day all of my girls could get a day off together from their busy schedules, but somehow it all came together. As you can see, the usual cast of characters were present: (left to right) Andrew, Erica, Sylvia, George, Kevin, Stella, Sophia (hidden), Michelle, Jordan, Cynthia (the birthday girl) and James! The drinks and a series of appetizers started first. Andrew and Erica ordered those delicious looking Hurricanes to the left.
Cynthia and I drank a series of German chocolate martinis, shown to the right. Some of them were made even more delicious with a splash of orange liqueur in them, an Orange Truffle Martini. They tasted more like a dessert than a cocktail.
The kids got their own desserts. Below, Stella and Sophia are eating a scoop of ice cream with whip cream and a cherry on top! All of the dishes were fantastic. Louisiana cajun-style cooking. Although most of us did not get an actual dessert because we had cake waiting for us at home, Andrew ordered a Baked Alaska pie which was huge and shared it with the table. (I'm going to have to get me one of those next time!)
Jordan took control of the gift giving, a role she's assumed since Connie's passing. I'm not sure if we'll ever be able to give out presents if she leaves us for the Navy, so we better keep her here! The picture on the right shows Erica modeling the make-up that she gave to Cynthia as a present. Many of my presents centered around a sunflower theme including a pop-up card and two framed pictures that we bought from artists while on our trip to Oklahoma City. Plus there was a metal-printed photo of a field of sunflowers by Rob Greebon. This was a stunning photo that I saw hanging in a gallery at Buc-ees while on a trip to Lincoln, NE and knew I had to buy it for Cynthia's next birthday.
(website for image: https://www.imagesfromtexas.com/photo/texas-sunflower-afternoon-2/)
The cake was a Tres Leches cake from 4 Leches Bakery off of South General McMullen Drive in San Antonio. It was delicious.... and just about gone when the party was over! Of note, I could have sworn that I had a "1" when I bought the candles, as Cynthia was "41", not "42" this year. But faced with the choice of a zero or two, I went with a two thinking we could use it again next year. No one noticed! (Ok.. I lied. Everyone noticed.)
Happy Birthday