Last Saturday, some of my closest high school girlfriends and I got together to celebrate two happy occasions — our dear friend Jen being back in town from Indonesia, and Debbie’s 30th birthday! We started off the afternoon with mani pedis, and then ended the evening with a potluck joined by our guys. I hadn’t seen Jen in five years (!), so it was so nice to see her again after all this time and hear about her overseas adventures, and of course I was thrilled to be there to celebrate my best friend turning 30!
The two guests of honor! Welcome home Jen, and happy birthday Debbie!
We got fish-y cure (pedicures with fish that nibble off your dead skin). It was my first time, and a neat experience!
Fresh pedicures!
Back at Juli and Brandr’s home, celebrating Debbie’s birthday and Jen’s homecoming with a delicious fruit tart.
Mio got to meet Jen for the first time… and of course, loved her!
Mio was very focused on getting a slice of the tart.
Happy birthday, bestest!
I loved seeing everyone again. Thank you Juli and Brandr for hosting!
Last Saturday, we went to a holiday potluck party with friends. Everyone brought such delicious food, and we also had a Secret Santa gift exchange. It was great seeing a lot of my high school girlfriends again, even some I hadn’t seen in years! Special thanks to Lucy for hosting the fun gathering at her lovely home.
My best friend Debbie and I in front of the Christmas tree. 🙂
Enjoying delicious food and chatting with friends
Mio was anxious and overwhelmed by all the people at first, and wanted to be held for the first half of the party.
Beginning the Secret Santa gift exchange! It was fun to find out who each person’s gifter was!
The girls opening presents. I was Yonmi’s Secret Santa!
My Secret Santa was Ploi, and she got me the Naked palette from Urban Decay! I was so surprised! I’ve heard so much about the Naked palette, and was so delighted to receive it. Thank you Ploi ♥
Revealing each other’s Secret Santas
Mio was really curious about my gift.
Already a fan of makeup, she grabbed the box and wouldn’t let it go.
…and then she tried to eat it.
Mio warmed up to everyone a lot more after a while, and started checking out the Christmas ornaments and running up to everyone.
I was so surprised when in the middle of the party, my friends turned off some of the lights and started singing “Happy Birthday,” bringing over a birthday pie lit with candles! I was so touched. :’)
A sweet surprise!
Thank you everyone! Special thanks to Debbie for buying the pie from Pie Sisters – it was so delicious!
There was so much good food at the holiday party!
I hadn’t seen Yonmi since college! We’re both moms now. 🙂
A family picture!
We had a wonderful time at the holiday party, and it didn’t go too late so we were able to get back in time for Mio’s bedtime!
My nightly routine of reading a few books to Mio before bedtime.
Reading together ♥ One of my favorite moments together.
