Whose Birthday Is It Anyway?

This is the cake.

Cuddlebug wanted five things. She wanted it:

(1) homemade
(2) brown...brown? Really?
(3) with pink swirlies
(4) with pink insides
(5) with princesses on top

I thought, "blech." But then, I'm not the one turning 6. So, into the wee hours I did decorate.

I was almost overcome by the sweet smell of that chocolate frosting going on the strawberry insides, *blech* but in the end it turned out o.k. I'm not the one turning 6.

By the way, those figurines are from the German and French toy companies, Shleich and Papo, which guard against lead paint, even though the toys are actually still made in China. And they looked better than Disney anyway. See the knight on the lower level? He has his shield up, sword raised, and is charging into battle to protect the maiden.

Hey. I'm raising girls here. Chivalry is hard-wired. And I'm NOT talking them out of it.

But...enough about the cake. We'll eat that later.

Presents in all shapes and sizes...

And here's the birthday girl, fresh and ready for big birthday excitement! We're all going to Schlitterbahn for the first...and uh...last...time today!

Only, we don't know that yet.

Here's Dumpling always ready to help...unwrapping, toy testing, whatever your birthday needs might be. We're thinking about printing Dumpling some business cards, but Cuddlebug is 6 now...and she's already got her number.

And when Dumpling is called on it, she whips out her imaginary halo and sings, "ding!" It all comes from watching too many Looney Tunes on Saturday mornings.

But in the end, Cuddlebug shares because...well...because Dumpling is so fun! And they are the very best of friends and playmates.

This was quite an animal rescue operation as these two explained. Young ones first! Adults get in line. Sorry duck, hen and owl...you're not making the cut. Better fly for your life!

The perfect end. Cake and candles with those that care the most for her...

Happy, happy birthday my darling Cuddlebug!