The Simple Scents of Life

The night finally came...the night we've been planning for so long!  After much coaxing, we finally had the special someone get dressed up in her new birthday dress.  After that, the little girls, mom and I left the house to get the goodies from the bakery (we decided that actually baking the desserts ourselves would be a little obvious :)) and get to the church to decorate for the surprise birthday party. Approximately thirty minutes later, the special someone made it. Just as she walked through the door, the lights were turned on and sixty some-odd people shouted "Surprise" and "Happy Birthday!"  Mr. Candler observed that it was the first time he'd ever seen her speechless. :)  Yes, Jessica finally had a birthday party, and we successfully kept it a secret for two months!  My mom put together a slide-show and has posted it on her blog.  So, as pictures speak louder than words, I'll let you enjoy those. :)

Somebody started the question, "How many deacons does it take to get a slide show to work?" 

Such a darling Retro display of dessert!

One tower of cupcakes.

A Princess scepter.

The cake, or the top of it anyway.

A closer shot of the cupcakes...remember, no drooling allowed. :)

The vigilant guards, awaiting the arrival of a certain someone.

And there she is!

Once everybody was seated, a few of the guests read the letters, or spoke encouraging words they'd prepared for Jessica.  My mom read the letters so beautifully written by two dear friends, Jennie Chancey and Mrs. Davis, as well as her own. 

Mrs. Sanford delivers her charge.

Mom and Jessica, with the lovely cake...and Miss Elizabeth is hiding behind the flames. :)

For the second time that evening, she's looking a little shocked...

Dad must get hugs before we find out why...

And then pictures must follow...Dad's wondering when we'll be done taking photos, but honestly, aren't they just so cute?!?! ;)

Aha!  Yes, Jess finally got her hope chest! :)  She considered climbing in, and then remembered the poem, The Mistletoe Bough and decided against it. :)

The birthday girl.

The birthday girl and the birthday girl's mom (who happens to be mine too :)).

Three fair maidens.

Jessica and I trying to decide what to eat...although, poor Jess was still in a state of shock and didn't have much of an appetite. :)

"Do you pop out at parties?" ~ I Love Lucy

Even William was dancing!  The Virginia Reel is such a popular dance.

Jessica and Peter are in the blur somewhere.

Jessica and Melinda were very obliging and let me take a picture of them in the middle of a dance. :)

Reeling the set at the speed of lightning! 

Yet another picture of the set.

Three devoted sisters...thoroughly wiped out from the party. :)

Three devoted sisters and their knight in shining armor just before they all turned in for bed.