Seven Times Two

They're startlingly alike and yet so very different. Blondes with azure eyes, one's locks are straight; the other's curly. Fiercely intertwined but also absolutely independent with individual strengths, they're an awesome twosome.



Born just three days before Christmas, they impatiently wait nearly the whole calendar year for 'their' day. Finally it's nearly here and time for a birthday party. Friends of all ages gather on Saturday to celebrate.

Hanna and Jessy are amazingly social little girls. They're comfortable with peers as well as people born two generations prior to their own. With an ample amount of whimsy, they enliven any setting with their energetic presence. Can it be that they get cuter each year?

On the night before the party, with friend Linnea joining the fun, the girls submit their fingers for multiple layers of nail polish. Deep holiday red is the perfect choice. Flowers are painted on several nails and adorned with tiny beads. Where are those little ones we met five years ago? We're now watching young ladies evolve ever so quickly.



Parents Shawn and Gilly have planned an activity laden afternoon. A raffle promises prizes to lucky winners. Presents proliferate as more and more people arrive. With an unusually cool day, sporadic rain, and temperatures well below normal, outside events are curtailed. Small clumps of kids drift from the house to the party room at the rear of the yard. Adults stroll leisurely, sipping wine or soda. Girls vastly outnumber boys but the genders meld and mingle nicely.




Musical chairs morphs into 'musical cushions' played inside the party room. A young male party-goer serves as DJ. Laughter surrounds the room while each child scrambles quickly around the circle. Finally there is one cushion and one girl remaining.



Sunshine returns at the right moment. Eduardo rigs up a rope and climbs atop the roof. He pull the rope back and forth as each small guest whacks at the pinatas. (It's an easier game without blindfolds.)



With a ladybug demolished, the children move on to destroy the monkey.



Candy covers the patio and is quickly scooped into individual plastic bags for consuming later. (A terrific use of left-over Halloween treats.)



Throughout the afternoon, Storey, an extremely amiable server, dispenses delicious hors d'oeuvres. These miniature delicacies are the creation of Mike, an accomplished caterer who happens to live a few houses down the street. Tiny pastries stuffed with brie and apricot chutney, topped with almonds vie with perfect burger sliders and minute mac and cheese encased in phyllo dough. An endless variety of kid-friendly food emerges from the kitchen. It's very difficult not to sample each new treat.

Games dwindle and the birthday cake beckons. It's a two-layer masterful creation with a Hello Kitty theme, created by a colleague of Shawn's. Candles are lit, the traditional song sung, and cake devoured down to the crumbs.



Guests with full tummies crowd the couches for a flurry of present-opening as dual gifts are admired and thanks dispensed. It's difficult to discern the favorites. Each choice seems perfect for the smiling sisters.



Without intruding at all, Henry has videoed the panorama of events. From the early moments of make-up application and face-painting to the popular 'Pass the Present' game, he's captured the afternoon forever.



I've taken nearly a hundred photos. As very involved neighbors we often act as recorders for special events. We're honored to provide such service.

At a little past four, a white stretch limo arrives. The kids have been expecting it all afternoon and they're anxious to see inside. There's little hesitation as the group moves en masse to the rear door of the intriguing vehicle. For most, if not all, this is a first-time experience. Gilly is the only adult along for the ride, except, of course, the driver.


As the enchanted car disappears up the street, we leave for home.



How lucky we are to have seven times two next door.
Happy Birthday Hanna and Jessy!