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60 Candles

60-%d1%81andles>

Yesterday saw the entire family together to celebrate Daddy’s birthday–a rare moment in time when all of us could come together in a single room and not be in cities, states, or oceans apart.  I’d say it was a smashing success!

My Autumn themed dinner party included (from left to right) Roasted Maple Glazed Butternut Squash, Chicken Saltimbocca with sautéed herb Mushrooms, and Wild Rice in Mushroom Broth and grilled Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Honey Balsamic Glaze + Fried Sage, just for fun.

Here’s a single close up of a savory dish before a demanding pot threatened to overflow and guests began to arrive and whisked me away from the task at hand:

I also regret not getting a shot of the cake

Daddy’s Dessert Bar + Homemade Banner ^.^

A closer shot of Pumpkin Macarons, Oreo Pops, Miniature Apple Pies, Gingerbread Cupcakes and Pumpkin Dip + Ginger Spice Cookies.

An even closer shot–who knew lattice work for the scaled down version would be so tedious?  I felt like the Giant of Lilliput assembling treats for its inhabitants.

Albeit, it’s unconventional but my brother’s got him a 22 rifle to add to his collection.  You can’t see it, but it’s Daddy grinning ear to ear and looking mighty dapper (I might add) in his new Columbia jacket that his favorite daughter got him

My favorite moments?  In our house, we have a long standing tradition of sharing a wish we have for the person giving us a gift.  Those moments are always special.  Another?  When Daddy takes the birthday cake I took the pains to make picture perfect (with the full intention of snapping a shot of) and slices it every which way so that everyone got the tallest (and skinniest) bar/stack ever, lol–the entire cake menacingly wobbled as he made the slices smaller and smaller but you know, it’s Daddy’s birthday so he gets a pass =)

After dinner, we hiked, took pictures, and laughed at ourselves, knowing that this would be the very last time we’d all be together as a family for at least another year or two.  It’s all very bittersweet you see, but couldn’t have ended on a better note.

I hope everyone else enjoyed their weekend and was able to spend quality time with their loved ones.

…for parting is such sweet sorrow…

Love,

Your Squishy Monster ^.~

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60 thoughts on “60 Candles

  • Monet says:

    What a wonderful birthday celebration. I especially liked hearing about your birthday tradition. Such a thoughtful expression! Thank you for sharing. Your blog was a delicious stop during my lunch break. I hope you have a great Monday!

  • Choc Chip Uru says:

    AWWWW happy 60th to your dad I bet he was absolutely thrilled with such a fun and delicious night

  • Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says:

    Awwww! What a nice birthday your dad had!

  • Lester says:

    A belated happy birth day to your Dad! Sounds like you all had a wonderful time Angie!Every thing looks great! Great job Angie!! Nice interesting gift for your Dad!!I love all the pumpkin flavored dishes you served Angie!

    I had a great week end also thaks.Have a great day Angie!

    Love.

    Les.

  • Paul Anthony Prince says:

    Yay!! What a fabulous celebration. I’m happy everyone was able to get together; it seems so hard nowadays to coordinate such great events when you have family all over the place. Your dinner spread sounds absolutely succulent!! And your sweet treats down-right scrumptious!! I bet everyone enjoyed such a fantabulous culinary smorgasbord. The oreo pops and ginger-bread cupcakes have my eyes a glazed. You’re mini-pies look great too, I bet they were a mountian-onous ~.^ (monotonous) task. I really enjoyed hearing about your tradition of sharing a wish for the gift-giver. I couldn’t help but “awwwww” when I read that. I think the only tradition we have is that awkward present-face hug we give each other after opening each present one at a time. But who doesn’t enjoy a good hug? It sounds like it was a wondrous gathering. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. My wish for you and yours is that it will seem like the time just flies by until you are all able to be together again.

    Warmest Regards, –and good night til it be morrow.
    Paul

  • Blond Duck says:

    I hope he had a wonderful birthday! You’re so sweet to write a post for him!

  • Tandy says:

    what a lovely birthday feast! Hope you had a super time

  • DWei says:

    Happy birthday to him! It sounds like he had a great time.

  • LinsFood says:

    Sounds like you all had a great time! I know what it’s like having family spread over continents! Isn’t it frustrating when you forget to take a picture of something you made before it gets gobbled up?! Looks like an amazing menu though! Does your dad have a huge gun collection?

  • Joanne says:

    I’m so glad you guys all got to be together! You really went all out on the food. Sounds amazing!

  • yummychunklet says:

    Looks like a fabulous birthday feast!

  • thehautecookie says:

    what an awesome spread, im not surprised knowing he has you as a daughter. happy bday to your appah!!!!!!!!! xO!
    http://www.thehautecookie.com

  • Suzie says:

    Wow, you must have had to work for 2 (or more) days to get all that delicious food ready! I’m so impressed. It’s wonderful that you held the event, I’m sure your Dad was happy. My husband and I are gun collectors so I don’t find that gift odd at all. I’d be smiling from ear to ear also

  • (>‘o’)> this guy says:

    Woohoo!!! Happy Birthday….lets eat!

  • thatskinnychickcanbake says:

    You all know how to throw a party! The table and decor are marvelous…and the food looks glorious!!! I love your tradition of making a wish for each gift giver…great idea!

  • Jenn and Seth says:

    i can’t believe how much delicious food was at your dad’s birthday celebration – it sounds absolutely amazing!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thanks y’all!!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I think that’s one of the best parts …It’s the gift that gives all around the table =D

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I do like to eat… ^.^

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    It was so worth it…no more birthdays until February so I can take a break, lol. Niiice! I’d love to see it (if you blog it, I shall come) =D

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Aw, Unni. I’m so glad the move went well…and thank you, I shall relay it to him =)

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I hope Dad enjoyed himself 60 times over =D

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thanks, Jo! I hope you’ve been well =D

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    It sooo is, afterwards I argued with myself–lol– bc I swore I took a pic but I didn’t He has a fairly decent collection.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thank you–and I do hope so!!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I definitely did, Tandy! Thank you

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Daddy is the best and only deserves accordingly =D

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    How true. LOL–sometimes we have those moments too. Thank you for the well wishes, Paul. You rock!!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thanks bunches, Les! I adoooore Pumpkin anything. Tis the season for PUMPKIN =D

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Hope you and your bf had a great one, Kayle!!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I definitely will =D

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I feel honored to have been a part of your lunch! =D

  • Zeeona @ Basil and Strawberry says:

    Happy Birthday to your Dad! You have prepared a really amazing line of food, no wonder it was a huge success!

  • Christine (@cookingcrusade) says:

    That looks like a dinner well crossing continents for! Looove your adorable homemade dessert bar. Happy birthday to your Dad!

    Thanks also so much for dropping by my blog and your lovely comment

  • Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says:

    Your dad is a lucky man with that delicious dessert bar!

  • Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says:

    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! Your blog is gorgeous and what a lovely post — Happy Birthday to your dad! Your birthday traditions sound like so much fun, I especially love the idea of sharing a wish!

  • Norma Chang says:

    A belated Happy Birthday to your Dad, what a fantastic birthday gathering, no wonder your Dad was grinning ear to ear. That was quite a spread, Congrats on a successful party.

  • Jenee C. says:

    Pumpkin macarons? Yes please! Love the dessert table you created for him and loving even more that he received a rifle for his bday. Sounds like my household haha. By the way, how have I not come across your blog till now.. I love korean food. About to go through your archives for some yummies.

    xx Jenee C.
    {camo meets couture}

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I would love to see the two households come together—behold the food and fun that would unfold!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thanks, Norma! Your veggies are looking particularly stellar!!!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    of course… thank you ^.^

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    We’re lucky to have him too

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    you are sweet! no probs =D

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    He’ll love this flood of happy birthdays…thank you!! You guys roooock!!!

  • amy donovan (@amy_donovan) says:

    Sounds like your father had a fantastic birthday! And so much delicious food. YUM! You have no idea how hungry it made me reading through everything. I need a snack now, lol!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I’d share leftovers but I don’t think we have any

  • yeasol says:

    Happy Birthday to your appa!
    I get a bit sad missing out on family get togethers since I love in nyc but i love when I am able to fly down to Miami to join in on the fun

  • rebecca says:

    what a lovely feast and pleased you enjoyed time with your family

  • Hannah (BitterSweet) says:

    Such a fancy dessert display- You really went all out! Love the decor.

  • EverydayMaven says:

    Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I know what you mean about everyone being together as our family is currently split between the East and West Coast. What a beautiful celebration!

  • Content Hedgehog says:

    Awesome, glad you guys had a good time.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I know I did ^.^

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    No problemo…I feel blessed to have this special day to remember.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thanks, Hannah!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Family time is always time well spent

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    NY is a gift in itself..I hope you get to see them during the holidays!

  • Simply Sweet Justice says:

    The birthday display is so special! Thanks for sharing!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thank you for your kind words =D

  • myfangalicious says:

    Love this post. It’s nice to see you incorporate food and family in this.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    My foodie life began with family and they’ll always be my fat and happy guinea pigs, lol.

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