It was birthday party day today, and my manic efforts a few days ago paid off. The birthday party was a success, the weather was gloriously sunny and warm enough for a game of barn basketball, and at the end of the day, I had a happy kid.

Our best friends from Fort Collins came down in the evening and we made a roast for dinner, then stayed up late pretending to know how to play poker. (I, at least, can shuffle.)