My niece Aubrey turns fourteen years old today. She couldn't be here for her birthday because her class has gone to Washington, D.C. I think it's cool that they are there for the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's iconic speech.
Anyway, she didn't want to have her birthday party before her actual birthday, because of a family superstition about not celebrating the even before the even has happened. She did, however, want to receive her "birthday money" before the trip so she would have spending money.
The solution? They had a Bon Voyage party instead of a birthday party! It was Sunday at my sister's house, with the whole family attending. I had to look hard to find a Bon Voyage card! They seem to be out of fashion these days. My sister made and decorated the cake above, along with help from Aubrey's younger sister Molly.
Aubrey is a huge fan of Dr. Who; her birthday wish list contained many Dr. Who related items, including soundtracks from the show. She also received a complete Dr. Who outfit; bow tie, fez, trench coat and something called a "sonic screwdriver".
Here are pictures of Aubrey in the outfit:
This photo is an uncle and an aunt figuring out how to make the sonic screwdriver work:
This is her grandmother photo bombed by an alien:
Here is Aubrey, highlighted by the sonic screwdriver:
Aubrey is a very cool, intelligent, thoughtful, imaginative girl. Her father's family were all born, raised, educated, and still living in Kentucky. All three girls have talked about going to college in Kentucky. I am the subversive aunt; I keep encouraging them to go out of state and "broaden their horizons". I think they are tired of me telling Aubrey she should go to Stanford. I've been there and I know she would fit right in.
6 comments:
i think it's good to leave your home state for college.
I wish I had.
I think it's great to have a "subversive" aunt. I had a much beloved aunt who meant the world to me - it's a wonderful role! I agree about broadening horizons - my young granddaughters stayed close to home, even changing to commuters after their first years. They are very close to their parents, and that is great, but I would have liked to see them stretch a bit. I did at that age and am still glad today.
the subversive grandmom,
Mary
Thanks for a great comment, Mary. I wish I had had a "subversive aunt" when I was growing up. I was always afraid to venture out of my comfort zone. Finally, I moved to another part of the country and began to see the world as a much larger and interesting place. I just wish I had done it sooner.
All the best to Aubrey - it seems she will have a great time wherever she goes. I enjoyed your family photos, especially your mum, and hope she is getting on O.K.
Hi Pam! My mom is doing fine, thanks. She has good days and bad days, but more good than bad and nothing serious on the bad. She's finally getting her house fixed up in preparation for sale "some day".
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