Maggie's Birthday (AKA Christmas All Over Again)

We celebrated Maggie's Birthday tonight. The guest list can be summed up in a "simple" equation.

Christmas Guests - Paul + (Mike Schmidt + Marnie + Kendal + Hayden)

The food was supplied by Mandy and Marnie. We had ham (again), cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole (The Thanksgiving one), rolls, and salad, among other things. The appetizer was spinach dip in pumpernickel bread. It was all very appetizing.

After dinner was eaten, presents were opened. Since the Schmidts were not around for Christmas, Kendal, Hayden, Mike, and Marnie opened up Christmas gifts. As far as Kendal and Hayden were concerned, toys and clothes were the rule. However, Bob and I were practical in giving gift cards to Toys 'R' Us and Borders (Books were the intended goal, but CDs and DVDs would also be sources of enjoyment.). In general, the children will be having fun, but the parents (and any other adults) will be wishing that they had earplugs.

Maggie then opened up her gifts (Actually, since our gift cards were included with Maggie's birthday cards, they were opened up during this time.). Dessert was served. It consisted of a delicious cake from Buehler's (http://www.buehlers.com/), pumpkin roll, cheesecake, and little circular ("petite") brownies. Once again, dessert earned its appreciation.

Although it was Maggie's birthday, Kendal and Hayden were the main attraction. Even the birthday girl helped to make this possible. Kendal proved that she is very intelligent by speaking in complete sentences. She's very smart for two and a half. I think she will do great things when she grows up. Hayden is just too cute for words. (By the way, her name came out of a book of baby names. However, I am sticking with my theory and post title.) It was a night to remember.

When Dan Sr. and Patty show up in Northeast Ohio, I will share stories of my visit with my blog audience. It would be especially nice if Dan Jr., Laura, and Amy Marie are involved. Tune in to find out!