BIRTHDAY!

Tuesday the 21^st dawned bright and I was up relatively early.  Christian’s mother had hung a banner across the kitchen saying happy birthday and there was even presents!  I spent most of the day posting to the blog and happily receiving birthday wishes on Facebook (over 91!).  

Regardless the day was fairly calm, with Chris and his family doing most of the party set up.  There was a trip to the butcher to pick up the meat as well as some assistance in the yard setting up tables and chairs.  In the afternoon we all sat down together and there was singing, and a delicious cake with raspberries! 

The garden was set up with two tents, two grills, several chairs, the hammock, several benches, and an assortment of tables.  Guests began arriving at 7pm, and we began grilling the massive amounts of steak and sausages.  Many people also showed up with their own meat for grilling, as well as several salads and desserts. One of Chris’s friends brought his speaker system with him and it was short work to hook it up and have music broadcasting across the yard.  Overall it wasn’t too different from an American cookout.  I’m not sure if I really have that much to say about it. 

There was an exchange student from Iceland who is studying in Germany right now named Gunner and he was really quite friendly.  Then there was the girl who lived in Norway as an exchange student for a year, and one who lived in California for a few months.  Everyone was fairly friendly, wished me a happy birthday, and chatted with me for at least a little while.