My family loves celebrating birthdays.
In fact, I think Teacher Man was perhaps a tad big overwhelmed when he first became a part of the family and he realized just how much we get into birthdays. I guess you could say we have a “go big or go home” attitude when it comes to birthdays – and family celebrations of any kind, really.
And this weekend we celebrated a big one – my mom’s 70th birthday!
Since the crops on The Farm aren’t ready yet for harvesting, we all were able to meet at Wayzata (a western suburb of Minneapolis) at a fantastic seafood restaurant, The Blue Point Restaurant and Bar, for the party.
That’s the thing about farm families and harvest – if the corn and soybeans are ready to go, then birthdays, anniversaries and just about everything else must wait. (Although, I was born in late September, so I imagine for a few hours, my parents focused on other priorities!) That’s just the way it is. Harvest comes first, rightfully so. For this weekend, though, we didn’t have to worry about that.
And so, we celebrated Marilyn: Wife, Mom, Grandma, Birthday Girl.
This is my Mom and Dad. Aren’t they adorable? (The pic is a little blurry – sorry about that!)
The Blue Point Restaurant and Bar in Wayzata is known for its seafood, which didn’t disappoint. This is just a sampling of what we tried, including shrimp (with an utterly amazing risotto cake, I have to mention), fresh oysters, red snapper and calamari. Oddly enough, Joe (aka Mr. Picky Eater) actually tried the calamari – and liked it. This from a kid who claims he doesn’t like tacos or spaghetti. But I digress …
Speaking of Joe … classic rabbit ears from his cousin, Miss A.
So what kind of birthday dessert to get for the woman who loves gardening and knows her way around the kitchen? Flower cupcakes from Sweet Retreat Cupcake Boutique and Bakery in Edina. Gorgeous works of art – plus, the white chocolate raspberry cake was yummy!
A family pic, taken by my sister-in-law, Dana. We’re only missing my nephew Davis, a freshman at the University of Nebraska. Um, I see those rabbit ears (Joe) and “L” for loser (Miss A)!
Grandma Marilyn and Joe – this photo makes my heart smile.
What do you give the Birthday Girl who has everything? A sod cutter, of course! (What were you expecting?) And I received a text from her the very next day that shows her putting it right to use. (The sod cutter was actually made in Princeton, MN by Quail Manufacturing.)
All smiles at another fun family celebration. Happy Birthday, Mom!
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Looks like a great birthday! Love the photo of you and your mom. My mom just celebrated her 60th birthday in August. Birthdays should be celebrated. Every year is a gift.
I have been to the Blue Point once but now I need to drive to Edina to get some of those cupcakes. Awesome recap. Your mom is a doll and I love the family pics. Go big or go home on birthdays is my style. 🙂
Katie, I think those cupcakes would be worth the trip – seriously amazing! And thanks – my mom is the best and I have to agree – I think making a big splash for birthdays is the way to go … life’s too short not to enjoy each and every one!
I loved reading this blog and seeing the pictures. Your mother’s family lived just down the road from me near Bricelyn when we were growing up. Marilyn was an inspiration to me then – – she was always so talented! What a fun way to catch up with her. She looks wonderful!
Thanks, Mary! What a cool way to connect … I have many, many fond memories of Bricelyn as I was growing up. We visited Grandma and Grandpa Anderson as often as we could. Thanks for reading the blog – I will be sure to share your comment with my Mom!