Highlights from Gabby's trip, 2011

Every year for Spenser's birthday, my best friend from childhood Gabby flies from her home in Texas for the party (a tradition we started with his 1st birthday).  This year we went to Biltmore. Below are highlights of the party & Biltmore:

Deflated balloons

I love to decorate the mailbox & love my garden flags!

Can you guess what Spenser got?

Was soooo glad Karen was there to build this toy!

My Aunt Annie came down from Pittsburgh too & I love it when she comes to visit!

Loved this Wizard of Oz doll set!

The photo of me looking JUST like my Mom that made me see she was there with us

Grapes!

Bee on flower

Gorgeous waterfall

This made me laugh for obvious reasons

Yes I was!

                                                            Yes it was!

The making of a Thomas cake

I thought I had plenty of time to find a place that would decorate Thomas the Train on a sheet cake, but 2 days before Spenser's 3rd birthday party, I found that no one would for copyright laws. So after I picked up Gabby my best friend from childhood, from the airport I told her that we might be up all night trying to draw Thomas on a sheet cake!  I had printed pics I found online & supplied the supplies & she went to work:

                                                       Cutting the shapes

Tracing with edible markers

Looking good!

Then coloring with a toothpick

                                        The finished product!  Great job Aunt Gabby!