A Party in Three Acts

Yesterday was a busy day for the whole family, but particularly Erin.  We celebrated her 14th birthday in three acts.

Act One:  Family Gifts

Technical difficulties prevented pics from being taken.  But Erin was thrilled with her gifts, especially her new dolphin necklace.

Act Two:  Not-So-Rookie Dim Sum at Phoenix in China Town

It's always so much fun to dine at authentic Chinese restaurants with someone who speaks the language.  Having the Lees along was an added bonus, since K speaks Cantonese.  Erin was an adventurous eater.  She tried shrimp wrapped in seaweed.  She stepped out even further by going for the tripe.  Then she topped all by sampling cow marrow.

A fun little diversion was window watching between courses.  Some of the floats for the St. Patrick's Day parade made their way down the street just below us en route to the parade.  How many places can you go to for authentic dim sum, with Irish-themed floats on the street below for added entertainment?!

We ended our morning with tapioca smoothies from Joy Yee, then hurried home for Act Three.

Act Three:  The Bowling Party

Of all the themed birthday parties Erin's had over the years, she'd never picked a bowling theme.  There were an even dozen middle schoolers who spent two hours bowling on two lanes.  They had a blast.  At first they tried to keep score, but then they decided it was more fun to just throw the ball with crazy approaches.  They bowled backwards.  They bowled between their legs.  They fell down laughing as they heaved the ball forwards.  Such fun!

After bowling, everyone headed back to our place for presents and cake.  Of all the presents Erin received, none made her laugh more than the T-Rex Papier Mache.

The birthday cake was poppyseed.

Once the cake was consumed, they all headed over to Rehm Park for some football and ghost in the graveyard, before scattering home.

The Cross Country girls stayed a little later than everyone else, and at one point broke into song.  They pretty much sang thru the entire XC repertoire they compiled during the fall season.  I'll be honest here:  this group runs better than they sing!

All three acts were so much fun, and I couldn't possibly think of a better way to celebrate my Erin's 14th birthday!