Happy Birthday, Seeester.

Mandy & Patsy

A pretty incredible lady, friend and mom to my nieces – known as my sister Mandy, had a birthday on Saturday.  I was lucky enough to celebrate with her over the weekend.

My beautiful sister-in-law Patsy put the plans together for Mandy – a dinner with friends on Friday night.  We met at an old favorite of theirs – Edohana in Grapevine.  The crew consisted of Mandy & Patsy, Debra & Tara, Paige (we missed Sheila!), Dee & Donna and Amanda & Kelsey.

Amanda, Kelsey, Donna, Dee

I have come to know these ladies over the years.  No doubt, Mandy surrounds herself with really wonderful people…one doesn’t see a group of friends like this often.  When I’m around them, the bond they all have is very apparent and you know that each of them would do anything for the other.  Sappy? Yes.  But definitely worth mentioning…

Mandy, Patsy, Tara & Debra

Donna, Dee, Paige

Upon arrival, the old Japanese barkeep remembered Mandy from the years she used to frequent there.  He was sweet as pie and her sake was on the house.

We sat down, ordered drinks, hibachi and sushi.  Then the conversations started…the stories kept us laughing, the fire from the hibachi kept us warm (too warm at times…eyebrows singed?) and the food made our bellies full.

Someone from the restaurant got wind that it was Mandy’s birthday and they made her wear a hat that could have fit a toddler.  We all sang Happy Birthday out of tune (with a weird drumming in the background) and Mandy indulged in the birthday special – fried ice cream.

After Edohana, we went over to Esparza’s in downtown Grapevine for an after-dinner drink.  It was super fun to hang out with those gals…happy birthday to Mandy.

Me, Mandy & Patsy

Bonus birthday celebration:

Gitta and Papi were in town because they kept Bugs and Li for Mandy & Patsy’s night out on the town.  We all gathered for lunch on Saturday – Mandy’s official birthday.  Mom made Mandy’s requests – baked pork chops, sweet potatoes, pasta salad and for dessert, lemon bars.  Not a very “wintery” meal request, but hey, it was like 70 degrees outside.  God bless Texas.

These are times I’m happy to be living back here…being able to celebrate with family and eat Mom’s food (she also sent me home with enough home-cooked food for the week….LOVE).

Before, during and after lunch I played with the girls.  Have I mentioned how much I love them?

Happy Birthday, Mommy. from Erin Cluley on Vimeo.