Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up

But if they insist on having birthdays despite your protests, it's okay to let them be cowgirls.

This sweet little cowgirl, my own baby, turned four last week.  She is the second in a set of two extraordinary children.  Beneath her calm, cool public persona is a little fire cracker, a girl who loves pretty clothes, stuffed animals, books, and, recently, all things cowgirl.  We celebrated her birthday in style--in a Florida beach condo along with my whole family.

In this family, having a November birthday is not terribly original.  Of the people pictured above a full one third were born in November.  The most auspicious birthday of the month was my dad's.  He, by reason of strength, reached fourscore years this year.  He doesn't look 80 does he?

Birthdays weren't the only reason to celebrate.  Forty-five years ago, this couple married.

And, of course, there was turkey day.

But, alas, the sun has set on a great vacation and it's back to reality and the cold midwest.

Thanks, to my brother-in-law, SCB, for the great vacation pictures and the condo connections.