Birthday and braces

Yesterday was my youngest s birthday. She was very excited about turning 10--a double digit birthday in her words. In our house we have the long standing tradition of getting to pick what will be fixed for your birthday dinner. Last night we had Shrimp pasta with a basil roasted garlic cream, served over thin pasta. Also, we had a little healthy salad and hard rolls.
For her cake this year she wanted a cookie cake. It is not the most beautiful thing--but she loved it. It was actually a brownie/chocolate chip cookie cake. Pour the prepared brownie mix down first and then drop cookie batter by spoonfull onto brownie batter. It was sweet.

It was nice to have everyone in our immediate family there. Yes, Michael even graced us with his presence. In the red is my Mom with her beautiful white hair.

Paw Paw and my Dad enjoyed some conversation about fishing on the river.

Julia loved all the things she got. She even enjoyed the clothes she got. Amazing!

Michael and I grabbed a picture while he was around. You can't see them very well but I wanted to get a picture with my braces because they were coming off the next day.

And yes, I could have waited but here is the close up of the new me. Nothing like and up your nose shot--but my arms are only so long. But be glad I am not posting all the pictures I took.
One picture with my glasses--- which I am having to wear because my eyes are having problems with the mess in the air.

And here is the picture without the glare from the glasses.
I will be going back to the orthodontist in three weeks to pick up my retainer--oh glory! ;(---
till then all I have is a permanent retainer they put on the inside of my bottom teeth.
The first thing I put in my mouth was a piece of sour apple gum.
My lips are still getting used to no metal--but we will survive!
Love you guys.
Off to fix a huge pot of loaded potato soup for church tonight.
I will get caught up on reading posts soon-its been really busy lately.