60th Birthday Party for Laura

It wasn´t my 60th Birthday party but our good friend and neighbour (who happens also to be called Laura) was holding her 60th birthday. To look at her you would not believe she was turning 60!! She looks much younger and she has a young spirit! I always think of her in her late 40s! 

So most of my time this week has been used getting things ready for the party. There were gifts to buy, a song to organise, and dances to get ready! 

In between the preparations we found time to invite some of our "old" neighbours over for coffee and some cake. We had such a lovely evening with them here. It has been a while since we were last together, so it was great to catch up with their life. 

Friday evening and the serious preparations for the party started. Laura had rented a place just 5 minutes from where we live.  It was an old house set on a hill. Really cosy and full of character. A bit like a home, which was what she was looking for, but room for about 20 -30 people. 

We went to help her decorate the table on Friday evening. It all looked sooo good. 

Saturday we helped again with a bit of the food preparation. Kristian was in charge of grilling the beef!!! A few of us girl friends arrived an hour or so before the guests to help get the last bits of food ready. It was all go! Laura made everything herself! She is amazing! 

Shortly before the guests arrived we were a little in a panic! The oven door didn´t close properly!! Some of the snacks we were making should only have taken 15 minutes to cook, yet after 40 minutes they still were not ready!! We girls were constantly around that oven, taking turns to hold the door closed!

The food got cooked and it was delicious!!

The guests all seemed to enjoy themselves and the food.

There was one very special guest that came banging on the window. She came in and sang a special song for Laura.

The desserts were also delicious!

After we were fed and watered it was time for some dancing. We did a little Scottish dancing and some line dancing! There was a lot of laughing. All great fun!

It was a great evening, one I hope will always bring a smile to Laura´s face when she thinks about it. 

Today we were back at the place clearing up and cleaning it!! It sure is hard work holding a party! I was so exhausted that I fell asleep this evening on the sofa. Now when I´m meant to be sleeping, I can´t! It´s going to be a hard day tomorrow at work.