It was an event a year in the making. When we left Siesta Key in 2018, my mom began talking about her 90th birthday celebration.
For an entire year, we discussed every possible scenario. Should we have appetizers including Greek specialties, such as spanankopita or tiropita? Maybe we should keep it simple and just do cake and champagne? Or should we go all out and make dinner, serving pastichio, salad, and pitas?
The conversations were endless. Mom and I would have them in the car, at her house over coffee, and on the phone. At some point, we settled on champagne and cake. Then a few weeks before we were to leave, there were suddenly more options. Rent the community center, get a bouzouki player, get a caterer. In the end, mom made the final decision.
She wanted to have it in our beautiful condo. We had plenty of room and a screened lanai. My sisters made (from scratch) spanakopita and tiropita. They also did all of the shopping and created small plates of hummus, pita, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. They made a big salad and had two different kinds of pastichio. Cally decorated. Mary hung balloons.
There was debate over a cake. Cally checked with a bakery and a tiered cake was quite pricey. It was decided that we’d get three different Pepperidge Farms cakes. Mom is a huge PF fan. For almost every occasion, birthday or otherwise, mom will get a Pepperidge Farm cake. We decided on white confetti, lemon, and chocolate fudge flavors.
Before the big day, Mary contacted most of our cousins, asking if they’d be in Siesta Key during our stay. As it turned out, there were more than 20 of us there at the same time. It was simply magnificent.
There was laughter, happiness, singing, and eating. The champagne flowed. My cousin Steven created a beautiful book for mom with vintage pictures. Everyone had a wonderful time and we all have many treasured memories.
Near the end of our second week in Siesta Key, we were on the beach and noticed a wedding was being set up behind us. Lo and behold, the ceremony began and afterwards, the whole bridal party walked down the beach right past us! They stood in front of us, posing for the photographer. My sister Mary asked if Ashley (the bride) would take a picture with mom and she obliged! It was another magical moment.
I think we’ll be talking about this vacation for years to come. The memories we made there, the experiences of being together with family, are simply priceless.
Here’s the photography from the party and the wedding!
What a wonderful celebration. I love how your mother was so excited about it and involved in the decision making. Wishing your mother another wonderful year.
She was willing to let my sisters do the work but she definitely wanted a part in a decision making! Thank you for sharing in the joy. Xoxo
What a beautiful post! So much love, excitement, and happiness! ? I love the cakes!! Truly a wonderful memory to be cherished!
Yes,all of our memories of Siesta Key are wonderful ones! We love those cakes too! xoxo
So amazing! Your family is the best, and I can almost taste.that delicious food! Oh, and I love me some Pepperidge farm cakes! It’s been years since I’ve had one. I think I need to get one soon! I hope you know how much love I have for your family. Your writing brings me right back to you! Happy Birthday Kay! Love to all! ???
Hi Laurie! Thank you so much for your beautiful comments! We love you too and would love to see you again! Please go out and get a Pepperidge Farm cake and have it in our honor! We love you! xoxo Joanne
Your cousin Steven sounds like a really nice and handsome guy.
Haha! He sure is! Xoxo
Awwwww, sounds like your mom enjoyed her birthday party. What a wonderful reason to celebrate! So lovely to hear you had a marvelous time in Florida. Made me smile to read all about your vacation. Lots of happy memories for you.
It sure was a lovely time. I would go back to that sunshine in a heartbeat. Thank you for stopping by!