Friday nights birthday dinner at Merryfield with Dean and about 60 of his friends and housemates was wonderful and he had a blast!  As soon as I got to Merryfield that evening Dean opened the door to greet me and everyone started talking at one time.   Shortly after I arrived the other guests started coming in and at 5:30 everyone gathered in the family room which had been set up along with the dining room for the dinner and festivities.  The birthday cake was presented, Happy Birthday was sung while gathering around Dean.  He was in heaven.  The blessing was given and everyone followed Dean to the food.

The festivities begin with the cake, Happy Birthday and blessing before the meal.

Toni, the dietician and chef told me that she came in at 4:30 a.m. Friday morning to start the meal and Dean was up and dressed shortly after she arrived.  He supervised the cooking all day and he was very proud of himself.  He had requested salad, lasagna, spaghetti, and a strawberry cake for his party. Toni also added green beans and fettuccine alfredo to the menu and wonderful rolls.  Along with the strawberry cake were sweet rolls and cupcakes.

Joni making sure Dean is the first served and that he gets everything he wants. There were two eight foot tables covered with the main meal.

A ten foot table was set up in a different room for all the desserts. Pecan rolls, sweet rolls and strawberry cupcakes and room in the middle for the birthday cake.

Two layers of strawberry cake with strawberry cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberries.

Dean and Ruthie, one of his housemates. They pick on each other all the time.

Joni and Dean before the party began and she thanked him for all of his help during the day.

The dining hall was so gorgeous with all the red balloons and sparkly table pieces.

Dean making sure his spot was perfect for the party!!

When does this party start!!!

Bertha, one of the CNA’s/counselors, and Dean enjoy the meal. It was Bertha, Tammy and Vergie’s day off but they wouldn’t have missed his birthday for anything.

He was chowing down on that cake and strawberries!

The birthday boy all dressed up for a party.

Eddie and I are taking him out on the 29th for his birthday to his favorite restaurant, Applebee’s!  He got lots of nice gifts and money at the party and it was a very festive event.