My New England Birthday

Carol, aka Buttercup

As much as I love living in New York -- and I do -- I'm really a New England girl at heart. I was born and grew up in Connecticut and went to school in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, so I've half of the New England states covered. I have six first cousins and four of them live in New England -- so I get to "go home" a lot. We can spend infinite hours debating where we would buy our fantasy summer home -- when one of us wins lotto. I'm leaning to the Connecticut shore now, and Old Lyme seems to be coming to the top of the list.

This weekend was spent with my first cousin's on my mother's side and their eight children, ages five to seventeen. I had hoped we could all have lunch together to celebrate my birthday, but my great Cousin Rachel decided that time spent at home would be the best and put together a great fun weekend. I shared the celebration with her daughter, Angela, who turned nine on Friday. What a good time the birthday girls and family had together.

Rachel and I spent cousin time together doing a massive grocery shopping at a Super-Walmart. We don't have Walmarts at all in New York City, so this was quite a treat. No photos to show of this adventure, except my cookie-cake.

I spent the afternoon with my sweet cousins making the gift bags and assembling decorations. It was a great afternoon with lots of time to catch up on school, friends and Hilary's -- who will be a senior in high school -- thoughts and plans for college.

Pinata Assembly

Pinata Time

We had a great barbecue, with everyone cooking and then a fun time in downtown Providence. The fun time will be the subject of tomorrow's post. 

Rachel, can't thank you enough for all that you did to make this a special and memorable weekend. Family, you are the best and I am so blessed that you are all my family. 

I am definitely going to spend some time visiting in Blogworld. I've missed you all so much! Wishing you slow, sweet afternoons spent with those you love!