Happy Birthday, Ouida!

Today is a milestone day--Ouida is turning 70 years old! The celebration started on Friday when all the kids made it back to Texas. We continued the celebration on Saturday night with a dinner party at Cletus' house.
The last occassion for us all to be together was not such a joyous one, so it was nice to be able to relax a bit and have fun together.
Here's a picture of Ouida in her special birthday girl hat at her party this year!


And here is one of all her kids (plus one grandson):


I had the good fortune of spending her 69th birthday with her, too, when she and Aunt Karo came to brave the cold in London. Here's the picture of her enjoying birthday tartlet at high tea in Fortnum and Mason:


And here's one of the two of us outside of a hotel in Buxton when we went on our driving tour of England:


I will only speak for myself, but imagine that the other siblings could write a similiar entry. She is the most loving and self-sacrificial mom that this child could hope to have. She continues to set a Christ-like example for me and has done for my entire life. Ouida, I love you more than words can express and wish you a very Happy 70th Birthday--you know, it's legal to celebrate for a rolling 7 days from your actual birthday--So, let it roll!