So I had that big birthday this year. Way back in September. A few weeks ago, my daughters planned a weekend getaway to celebrate with them. And it was so completely perfect.
They whisked me away to a place they found, close but far enough away to feel as though we were just us.
Being from the midwest, my idea of escape is a rustic cabin, a quiet lake, deep woods and a cozy fire. Same for the girls who grew up visiting my father's handmade cabin in Missouri.
Always the best escape is one that includes my three sweet girls. All together. Again.
Erin
Maggie (and bambino)
Momo
They planned it so well. Maggie made a playlist of music they grew up on. Categories included piano recitals, dinner parties, dance moves, weekend breakfasts. It played in the background while we sat by the fire and started a quilt for the bambino in the style of the one Pam made for me.
There was a moment when I looked up and flashed on the book I wrote years ago about mothers and daughters at home. It works! We were sewing together, making this quilt collectively. Wow. Joy!
They also made a menu of foods I used to cook for them when they were little.
Dutch baby pancake with lemon wedges and powdered sugar. (Beef stew. Mac 'n Cheese. They are way better cooks than I ever hoped to be!)
With the sun pouring down through the golden trees, we walked through the woods to a farm where the owner sold fresh eggs. We wandered around her pretty farm, watched the hens, met the barn cat, petted the golden retrievers.
The three of them together, reunited, sharing their deep sisterhood. So wonderful to see.
We watched the eagles flying the lake, sitting in the trees right outside the cabin.
Can you see him flying just above the tree line on the right? We tried to keep up.
Bambino kicked and met his aunts for the first time.
I'm so very lucky to have these three. My dear girls. The way they love. Each other, me, their dad, their husbands, their grammy, their friends, the world they live in.
Yes, it was a happy, happy birthday.
And next week they'll be home for Thanksgiving! So much gratitude ... and time to work on that quilt together again!
We're preparing for Adventures in Boyhood!
Those pictures of your daughters together brought tears to my eyes. I fiercely love my children to the moon & back, but the love I have for my sister is different, special one. I understand the blessings. xoxo
Posted by: Mary | November 19, 2014 at 12:58 PM
Oops! Happy Birthday to you too! xoxo
Posted by: Mary | November 19, 2014 at 12:59 PM
Perfection!! How blessed you all are!
Posted by: Judi | November 19, 2014 at 01:00 PM
Charlotte,
What a lovely, poignant post!!! My eyes were filled with tears reading such a soul-touching story with sentiment that transcends the mother-daughter(s) relationship. You all are so blessed to have each other and you clearly cherish your special bond. Thanks for sharing. Your photographs are simply outstanding. I believe the memories you created commemorating your special birthday will fill your heart for quite some time...
XoooX,
Jeanette
Posted by: Jeanette in Illinois | November 19, 2014 at 01:37 PM
Happy Birthday Charlotte!
You are truly blessed to have those lovely daughters. This was a beautiful post.Take care, Laura
Posted by: Laura | November 19, 2014 at 01:49 PM
Such a lovely post. Thank you very much for sharing. The whole get together sounds idyllic! Love to you and yours.
Posted by: Julie | November 19, 2014 at 03:12 PM
What a perfect birthday for you! Such great girls! My kids barely remember my birthday, and only if their father reminds them. If he remembers!
Posted by: Mary Engelbreit | November 19, 2014 at 06:06 PM
How lovely - perfect location, perfect company, perfect quilt, perfect birthday celebration! All delightful. I wonder how you put the pieces together - were they bound individually, first? xx
Posted by: Chris Porter | November 19, 2014 at 06:53 PM
What a perfect birthday. You are blessed. That baby is going to have so much love. It's the way it should be.
Here's to a wonderful year for you and your family!!
Posted by: Laura | November 19, 2014 at 07:30 PM
Oh Charlotte, having 3 girls is such a blessing! What a lovely, memorable celebration and a wonderful post commemorating your weekend! Can't wait to hear about the next generation!!
Hugs!
Posted by: Leslie | November 19, 2014 at 07:43 PM
That was so beautiful! I feel fortunate to know all of the players in your "weekend getaway." xoxo
Posted by: Jeff | November 19, 2014 at 09:02 PM
three's a charm! xo
meleen
Posted by: Meleen Dupré | November 19, 2014 at 09:32 PM
Oh you are blessed what a wonderful Birthday... the "Big" one I had the real "Big One" sixty hard to even believe.. but I know it's true.. Happy Birthday and wishes for another one oh so grand!
Posted by: Diane | November 20, 2014 at 02:35 AM
Perfectly lovely, as you all are.
Posted by: Loretta | November 20, 2014 at 05:17 AM
What a great birthday!!! Congratulations! We must be nearly the same age, because my big b-day is Oct. '15... and you're giving me ideas on how to celebrate.
Posted by: mary | November 20, 2014 at 04:00 PM
This is such a nice recap, Ma. It was a special weekend that we'll all remember forever...thanks for giving me two great sisters - making you some pancakes and mac n' cheese is the least we can do to show our love and gratitude to you (and Dad, too!). xo
Posted by: Maggie | November 20, 2014 at 04:03 PM
Very special occasion with very special girls. So blessed!
Posted by: JudyC | November 20, 2014 at 05:44 PM
Happy Birthday Charlotte.Loved seeing your post of your girls and congratulations on the new little wee one that is to come.
so much love to share.
Posted by: ginny | November 20, 2014 at 08:29 PM
Happy Birthday to you! Lovely post, looks like a wonderful time. Exciting times ahead, how lucky the little guy is to be so loved!!
Posted by: monica | November 21, 2014 at 07:56 AM
Seriously, what could be more wonderful for you as a mom than to have your three daughters honor you in such a thoughtful way. You are one of the luckiest women on the planet.
Posted by: Karen on Bainbridge Island | November 22, 2014 at 05:20 PM
A beautiful post for a beautiful family. Whenever I look at your book, I think of you, Mary, and your three girls. It makes me feel warm inside. The quilt is fabulous and a treasure. Our birthdays are close to one another and I am a year older, but you celebrated this special birthday just like I did - minus your girls and I was at the Ore. Coast. But, the time together is the important part. Looking forward to seeing photos of the quilt progress. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your's!
Posted by: Jeannie | November 23, 2014 at 05:22 PM
Such a beautiful post. You've brought happy tears to my eyes. What a wonderful time for all of you. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Posted by: Troy Louise | November 24, 2014 at 03:53 PM
Sounds like perfection to me. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Dee | December 03, 2014 at 08:16 PM
This is hands down the most amazing gift I've ever heard of! :) Laura
Posted by: Hastypearl | December 14, 2014 at 07:18 PM
Oh my goodness. How touching. You just did it right. I've always been so happy I have two girls. That they get to enjoy the blessing of having a sister, something I always longed for. Your post makes me even more thankful.
Posted by: Jen@thecottagenest | December 16, 2014 at 09:04 AM
love this post. i'm all teary eyed! so wonderful...thank you for sharing my friend <3
Posted by: danielle muller | December 16, 2014 at 04:31 PM