Birthday Potluck

The birthday girl, Sina, & Elijah

Whenever somebody's birthday falls near a Monday, it's always tradition to celebrate with a special dessert. This past Monday was no exception, when we all gathered to celebrate one of our potluck kids turning four.

The birthday girl happened to be Elijah's best friend Sina. Elijah and Sina are a month and a half apart, but have known each other since birth. They've grown up together and anytime there's a birthday, it always feels like a family celebration. Monday was no exception.

Sina's mother Hannah made a delectable chocolate cake (a sinfully delicious recipe from Smitten Kitchen) layered with freshly whipped cream frosting and strawberries. We arrived just as Hannah was frosting the cake - our timing couldn't have been any better. 

mmm...cake!

There was a little bit of leftover frosting, but we quickly figured out what to do with it.

Potluck appetizer? Maybe?

The final product turned out beautifully - and tasted just as awesome. The strawberries and fresh cream went perfectly with the moist chocolate cake.

nom. nom. nom.

The birthday girl was impressd as well and made sure to quickly grab a slice after ensuring that her candles were properly blown out. Of course, we all had to sing, and our voices loudly (and mostly on-key) filled the kitchen.

We all sat around, enjoying the cake and the evening. Everything else was delicious as well, but beyond the food, what really stuck out to me was the gathering of our friends in celebration. Being able to share these special moments in an intimate, familiar way like dinner, truly makes this group feel like a family.