MarloElaine

Last Saturday, Sammy turned THREE years old! We threw a Thomas & Friends birthday party for him at our home.

Approximately 50 people attended, though thankfully not all at the same time! Everyone had a great time and plenty of food.

We had the following Filipino dishes:

• kaldareta (beef stew)
• pancit sotanghon (noodles)
• pork BBQ sticks
• eggrolls, shanghai style
• empanadas, both chicken and beef
• fruit salad
• cassava cake

We also served:

• honey BBQ chicken wings
• five layer taco dip w/ tortilla chips
• veggie platter & ranch dressing
• broccoli slaw salad
• edamame
• hummus & crackers
• chocolate rice krispie treats
• homemade pumpkin muffins
• fresh cantaloupe

Yes, as Neal would say, “we ate like kings!”

We ordered a delicious birthday cake from Oak Mill Bakery. It was a chocolate and yellow cake with fresh strawberries, fresh bananas, and custard filling. And of course, a picture of Thomas the Tank Engine on the top.

When everyone was singing “Happy Birthday,” Sammy had an expression of amazement that was just priceless. I think he was shocked that so many people knew all the words to that song.

It was Sophie’s 9 month birthday as well on Saturday. She entertained people by showing off her new crawling and climbing skills.

Special thanks to:

• Grandma & Grandpa for buying and bringing the food from J&A and helping set up & clean up
• Lola for buying and bringing the food from Lisa & Rose Oriental Mart in Niles, IL. They made the yummy beef empanadas!
• Lola Ligaya and Tita Lenlen for buying and bringing the eggrolls and for helping in the kitchen
• Tito Erwin for not only taking hundreds of great photos with his brand new Canon EOS 30D camera, but giving us access to them all!
• And of course, everyone who helped us celebrate Sammy’s 3rd Birthday!