And many more

Our Allissa turned seven last week.
Here be the OBP (Official Birthday Photo):
Or, if you prefer (as do I) what I call the Wednesday Addams edit of same:
Haaahaha. Anyway. Last Saturday afternoon at an appointed time, we convened at the Flying Biscuit Cafe in Charlotte to fete Allissa.
We'd never been there before and it was a great success: whimsical ambience (with wings, and you know I have a thing for wings), courteous server, good food, all at a reasonable price.
Dagny, a birthday-party novice, was suitably impressed. I didn't get a picture of it, but she chowed down on cheese grits as though they were leaving the planet tomorrow.
According to prominent signage over our table, they've been partying down at the Flying Biscuit for many a moon.
Stephanie stood in the right -- or wrong -- place at just the right -- or wrong -- time, and was rendered a beautiful winged being.
I guess you've figured out by now that Allissa's theme was Minnie Mouse. This was the adornment from the proper sheet cake her parents provided on her actual birthday:
Allissa made free to bedazzle Minnie's dress and bow. I posed MM in front of Allissa's new pink-and-white chevron purse.
In other chevron-inspired sartorial news, the birthday girl was wearing an on-trend black-and-white outfit which was a gift from her paternal grandparents:
The child is after my own heart. Black lace ... long flowing feminine skirt ... white denim layering piece ... yes. Muy bueno. Tres chic. Pretty sweet.
After dinner, our party repaired to the patio for cake and presents. Even though she'd had a long day, Dagny was still in great spirits.
Allissa got down to business like only seven-year-olds can, opening her presents. She always reads each card aloud.
TG and I gave her Bananagrams ...
... and Shaun the Sheep. She received several other nice gifts and seemed both grateful and overjoyed.
Glamorous Aunt Erica and little Andrew were absorbed in something or other at some point.
Aunt Audrey and her mini-me enjoyed hanging out with one another and the family. Have you ever noticed how babies love new experiences? At least this one does.
At the end of the evening I insisted that Allissa and her entourage pose for a more formal portrait.
As far as I'm concerned, that's one for all the ages. Allissa loves life and we love Allissa.
Something else we did that evening was watch a slideshow I'd put together for Allissa. It made almost everybody cry. If you wish, you may watch it here.
And that is all for now.
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Happy Thursday


Reader Comments (6)
Happy Birthday Allissa! Such a pretty girl and growing up far too quickly. (They all are!) All your grands have such beautiful eyes and I can really see a family resemblance in them and your kids.
I loved the video! Good choice of music though it all and such fun photos. I really liked the ones of her dressing up!
Beautiful! Such a wonderful birthday; love, love the slideshow!
xoxoxo
That slideshow is very special - a real keepsake from you to Allissa. Seven years old is a perfect age - so much of life to still unfold and enjoy. I wish Allissa a very Happy Birthday! Gorgeous family photos, Jenny.
PS When you have time, send me the title and artist for that last song, please.
What a great slide show. Congratulations on a lovely little girl, and Happy Birthday.
Awww! Happy Birthday!
She's a Doll!!
I'm seriously loving those ears!Hahaa
hughugs