50 and Fabulous

We celebrated my mom's 50th birthday on Sunday with a luncheon at our house for our immediate family. She was absolutely convinced that we were throwing a surprise party, but it was just us and I think it was better that way. My preparations included stringing balloons, making a photo collage, and arranging flowers. The meal consisted of crab cakes, pesto pasta, plantation salad, and bread with olive oil (with bellini's as the beverage) and everything turned out just perfect. Dessert was my main focus, since my mom loves chocolate so much, and we had chocolate cake (the butter recipe), banana split bites, s'more cups, and chocolate milk. It was decadent and delicious!

Zinnias as the centerpiece

Mom with the "50" photo collage

Luke with the balloons (and virgin bellini, aka peach puree)

Lunch: crab cakes, pesto pasta, and plantation salad

Opening gifts

Beautiful necklace handmade by Sarah

Cake time!

Chocolate milk with sprinkles on the rim

Dessert: chocolate cake, banana split bites and s'more cups

Mom had to prove she could still do a cartwheel!