a birthday luncheon & family pictures

Hello dear readers and a blessed Wednesday to you.

I do hope that your week has been a lovely one thus far?

 Mine has been filled with plenty of gardening, organising, and even a quick trip to the local nursery for compost and a few punnets of cheery violas.

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Today I am delighted to be sharing (lots) pictures from Gabrielle's celebratory birthday luncheon...

This sweet sister is now thirteen years old.  

When I began my blogging journey in 2009, she was barely two...

Back then she was my little buddy - she followed me everywhere, and wanted to be just like her older sister - we even shared a room. 

I feel truly blessed that we have maintained that close relationship, and still love doing things together! ♥

The birthday celebrations may have been quite simple, but the day was still so special...

Beth sewed a beautiful skirt for Gabrielle (which she is wearing in all these photographs), Nancy made lovely crocheted heart bunting to match Gabrielle's bedroom decor...the little ones gave her a new diary and colourful pens, and I told her I would get her started with a blog of her own, something she has been dreaming about for a long time.

You can now visit Gabrielle over at An Old Fashioned Girl.  ♥

While Gabrielle spent some time sewing with Mom, the girls and I baked some delicious eats, and decorated the party table while listening to beautiful soundtracks.  

It was quite festive in the kitchen that morning. {{smiles}}

 ^Of course we had to use our prettiest tea sets for the occasion...

^The delicious orange, almond and polenta cake Gabrielle requested...this cake is gluten-free.

I will be sharing the recipe next week. ♥

^I baked these little vegetable quiches the day before and served them with fresh basil.

 ^Nancy baked these gorgeous mini orange and dark chocolate eclairs and served them on a mirror. 

 

^Gabrielle and Caleb, ready for the festivities to commence!

 ♥

^Gabrielle with Sofia.  How special our whole family could spend this time celebrating together.

 ^Gabrielle was so thankful Dad could be here for her birthday.

^Let the celebrations begin!  Rebekah sipping a cup of tea.

 ^The lovely birthday girl.

^Hmmm...♥

After tea we decided to take some family photographs in the front garden.

It may not have been the prettiest location for pictures, but they still came out quite nicely...can't wait to have a few printed once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

 ^Mom and Dad with Gabrielle.

^Gabrielle with Mom and Caleb.

 ^Beth and Gabrielle.

^Gabrielle with Nancy

 ^Rebekah and Gabrielle

 ^Mom and Gabrielle.

 ^Dad and Sofia.

 ^The Gray children - Caleb (3), Sofia (8), Rebekah (10), Gabrielle (13), Beth (15), Nancy (20) and yours truly.

 ^Mom and her older girls. ♥

What a beautiful day of celebrating Gabrielle's life and the blessing of family. 

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Have a beautiful week further, sweet friends.      

Blessings,

~ Kelly-Anne ~