Thursday, June 18th - The Big Birthday Party

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The day started with the caterers and the tables arriving very early. Brian’s cousins, Uli and Gabi, and their families arrived a little later and the rest of the guests arrived at 1130. Karin and Britta were here soon after and it was nice to see all of Eva’s children celebrate their Mutti’s birthday together. The theme of the party was to show the “stations” of Eva’s life. She’s had an exciting one and traveled all over the world, actually living in China, the United States, France and Germany. Friends gave toasts and speeches. Each of Eva’s children gave her some gifts relating to each of countries (U.S had burgers and Burger King, of course) as well as special tokens of love and good wishes. 80 roses marked the special day. Each also said a few words. We didn’t understand too much but we easily got the idea. It was clear that all of the children love and honor their mother. All remember and miss Uncle Johannes as well - a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His memory was honored in many ways by everyone. Some tears but happiness in being together on this special occasion. On Aunt Eva’s handwritten invitations to share the day, she wrote a wise observation “Alter - Was ist alter? Ist nicht jedes alter ein GESCHENK.” This means “Age - What is age? Is not every age a gift.” This is very true and the day was a gift for all. After the guests left, the family visited together and Brian and Britta got to do some training with Millie. Brian learned to use German commands and Millie and Britta were heeling perfectly in no time. In the evening, the whole family went out for dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate with a wonderful meal with many courses - bread, soup, veal, asparagus, potatoes and a huge dessert plate of many different fruits and ice creams. The food was amazing, as usual, but the family time was even better. A long day and everyone was exhausted but full and happy. Tomorrow we pedal through wine country and the forest.

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Photos

Eva's Invitation
Invitation to Party - inside each was a handwritten note inviting the guests to share in her day.

Garden Before Caterers
Here's how it looked pre-party

Garden After Caterers
Here's how it looked all dolled up for the party

Peggie and Jerry
Brian's Mom and her husband, Jerry, looking pretty in the garden.

Amy and Brian at Party
Amy and Brian checking out the garden before the party started

Posing in the Garden
Sitting on the steps recreating pictures from 15 years ago at Peggie and Jerry's wedding here

Dog delivering card
Neighbor'd little dog delivered Aunt Eva a card - you have to be careful taking it away - he's a biter!

Britta delivering speech
Britta deliverying some of the gifts to Aunt Eva with Millie listening intently

Karin giving presents
Karin giving some more of the gifts and talking about their significance. Aunt Eva responding to make sure the story was right. If only we had a transcript....

Gabi giving gifts
More gifts from the children

Entire Family at Dinner
How nice to have the whole family together to celebrate Aunt Eva's birthday!

Cousin Uli and his Family
Brian's cousin Uli, his wife Christiane, and their son, Hannes.

Brian and the Amazing Dessert Plate
Thought dinner was almost over and then the dessert plate came - this isn't to share, it's for just one!

Comments

[Anita and Bill]

Eva's birthday
Thanks for keeping us updated on your trip. The party for Eva's birthday sounds wonderful and we enjoyed seeing the pictures of everyone. You will have lots of fun memories of your trip to Germany. Love, Anita and Bill