95 Years Young

This past Saturday was my great-aunt’s 95th birthday, Dionisia Bermudez Ancheta, affectionately called “Mamang” by everyone (which is mommy or mother in Ilocano, one of many dialects of the Philippines).  Although my son and I both had colds, we still made sure to attend this fun-filled family celebration.  Relatives came from Canada and all over America.  All of the grandchildren were in charge of different parts of the party.  We donated my husband’s time as the DJ and the main birthday cake for the presentation (the fabulous cake pictured above, made by Laruell Olds).

The evening began with a presentation of gifts from all of the great-grandchildren, including my son and my niece (my father is the second cousin of Mamang).  They each brought little gifts that were her favorite things that she could use or wear, rather than any large expensive gift that she may not know what to do with.  Gifts consisted of crossword and word search books, lotion, romance books, slippers, socks, dentures cleaner and shampoo.  Each child placed the gift in a big basket next to Mamang, and handed her a rose.  After the presentation of the gifts by the kids came the cake presentation (pictured above, Mamang is in the middle).  There were so many people we had to get more than one cake (there are three pictured below, including the cake we had custom made)!

Included below are just a few more pictures from the party:  one with all of the great-grandchildren again with Mamang, another of three of my cousins doing a hilarious dance medley (the one pictured was the Lady Gaga portion) and a couple of my son (one with another cousin and the last with my niece) dancing to the music provided by my husband (in the background). 

Dominic’s outfit:  White button down, vest, tie and black jeans all from H&M; sneakers by Converse

Mei-Lin’s outfit:  Red dress from H&M; tights & shoes by Target

(Note:  There are no pictures of me because I definitely looked like I had a cold.)