May 24, 2011
Two days after our move Celine turned twelve. We celebrated her special day together with my parents, something that hasn't happened since her first birthday. We left Canada to move to New Jersey shortly after Celine turned one so most birthdays and holidays (except Christmas) we have been spent with just our family of five.
I was so, so thankful that during this time of intense transition and upheaval we could be at my parents, because with the help of my mom we were able to make the day special for Celine. Even though we arrived only 40 hours earlier.
Before coming to help us clean and move my mom baked a cake (orange chiffon at Celine's request) and stuck it in the freezer. She also got everything ready for homemade coffee ice cream.
The day before the birthday the three of us - mom, daughter and granddaughter - sat down to make a menu. Mom ran into town to get groceries and we were all set.
The day started with crepes, whipped cream and berries served on Nana's best china.
Then presents. We took great pains to carefully pack Celine's presents last in the moving truck. Celine's preference for gifts is evolving with her age. Gone are the days of dolls. Welcome to the age of persian rugs and a new blanket for her bed. Her siblings are making sure she is staying young with a rubix cube and deer figurine to go with her medieval castle, which of course we packed.
Some outdoor play and help Papa (my dad) time. In your bathrobe because it is a birthday after all.
A lunch of sweet potato fries and a trip to the nursery to buy plants for my garden loving daughter - who inherits this from her mom who inherited it from her mom who inherited it from her mom. Four generations of women, one now passed, who love to garden - and make annual May pilgrimages to garden centers.
Back home again to chill (quite literally, Nova Scotia is wicked cool and wet right now) and then make the birthday supper. Barbequed fish, roasted potatoes, salad, sliced tomatoes and fresh baguette, Celine's request. All finished off with Nana's cake and homemade ice cream.
I love this girl's grown up tastes!
It was a wonderful day. Made all the more special because we shared it with Nana & Papa.
My sweet "baby" turned twelve.
Happy Birthday Celine, so special to celebrate it with grandparents :). Beautiful photos, as always.
happy bithday celine! your day sounds like it was so special. i'm sure many more like it will come now that you're so close to your grandparents. enjoy being 12 (it's awesome!). :)
Happy Birthday, Celine!! What a lovely young lady you have become! (I admire your taste, too!) :)
Happy Birthday, Celine.
that was beautiful. happy birthday
What a sweet beauty you are,Celine. I feel as though I know you a little, even though I don't. And I am wishing you a very, very happy birthday and year ahead. Change can be hard at this age (I know, I moved internationally at 12), but your parents have done a wonderful job making sure you are thought of along the way! Warmly, Nicola
Oh how wonderful, I just started reading your blog lately and enjoy it so much. Now I find out you are in Nova Scotia, lovely so am I! What a nice birthday and your parents home is gorgeous.
Renee,
Where are you located? Are you a homeschooler also? I'm trying to connect with other families.
Unfortunately no I'm not a homeschooler. I don't believe I'm cut out for that job. We are in Halifax. Where are you? Nice to meet you!
South Shore, Lunenburg county.
Happy Birthday Celine! You are beautiful. I'm glad you all made it your parents in one piece. It's a beautiful home! ♥
Happy 12th Birthday, Celine! It looks like it was so much fun! (We live far from our kid's grandparents, so I am so happy for you to celebrate with yours! Extra special!)
what a fantastic day - so grown up! i love all of her choices too! and how fortunate to have three generations for celebration. happy birthday!!!
Twelve is a wonderful age. Happy Birthday Celine!
Happy belated birthday, Celine! To be honest, it sounds just like how I would choose to celebrate my birthday, although a February birthday would make a trip to the garden centre a little difficult.
Just wondering....
Could I move in too? What a lucky family!
wait till you see my next post. You're really going to want to move in...
This post made me cry! What a treasure to be with your parents for such a milestone!
You can subscribe to comments on this article using this form.
If you have already commented on this article, you do not need to do this, as you were automatically subscribed.
Emily on May 24, 2011, 6:06 p.m.
Beautiful birthday. And memories captured so beautifully, Renee. Truly.