MC hits three decades

My beautiful House of Love roomie, Michaela Colin (as we call her), turned the big thirty last week.  It was a week full of school-related busyness, so she didn't get to celebrate much on the day of.  Fortunately, however, we are schemers.  Dana and I planned a secret celebration for our dearest of friends at the giant mansion that T and I were house-sitting in (of course, approved by Ben and Lahlae first).  MC had no clue what we were scheming - all she was told was when I would pick her up, and to bring an overnight bag.  Here is what insued:

Shock and awe as MC discovers not one, but two HOL cohorts in the car!

 Our first desination: Trader Joe's.  Thrilling.  But Dana and I 

had to admit that we really had no clue how to shop for a

gluten-free diet.  So MC picked out lots of delectables.

She was curious as to why we were buying obscene amounts of 

food for only three people.  Little did she know...

 The cheese aisle is her favorite.

 Phase two: blindfolding MC.  She was not allowed to have 

any clue where we were taking her.

 Hat over the eyes, just to be safe.

 Then we gave her a honeycrisp apple to keep her

occupied on the way over.

Unfortunately, it was too dark to capture her face upon

arrival at the house.  Needless to say, she was GIDDY with

excitement when she saw where we were staying.

 Cooking up some comfort food: grilled cheeses and 

tomato soup.

 D making her famous guacamole. 

 MC grasping her delectable cider.

 Lovely friends showed up later in the evening: 

Jacquie and Ashlee.

 Upon moving down to the cabin where T had started

a fire for us, we sang happy birthday to MC.

 She blew out her non-existant thirty candles,

 

...and we relished in the homemade, flourless cake

that Ash made.  DE-lish!  

Such a great night of yummy food, lovely friends, and delightful conversation.  Here's to the next thirty years.