One of my favorite cakes ever was the one where the dress of a Barbie Doll was actually cake, very similar to this one:
When I think back to growing up, I have some really great memories. We took some great beach trips and had lots of fun with my family. But probably my sweetest memories are with this lady right here:
{My Great Aunt Jenny}
Aunt Jenny was Papa's older sister (they had six kids with about a 20 year age span!). When my mom went back to work part-time after I was born, Jenny stayed with me during the week. We took naps together, went to the park together, made pumpkin bread, and had sewing projects, just to name a few things.
When Troy came along, I had to share her, but I didn't mind too much. I do, however, remember my mom telling me about getting to go to preschool. I immediately asked when I would see Jenny during the week. (And I think a few tears were shed.) But I still got to see her every week, and I'm certain it was a highlight.
Over the years, we became good friends, despite our 70 year age difference. Together, we planned our very first "Camp Cousins" event. (I think this was the beginning of my love for party-planning.) We would go to her house in Fort Worth, have donuts, and spend the day playing games, making t-shirts with puff paint, eating pizza and washing her car. (Something tells me it probably looked better before we washed it!)
We must've had Camp Cousins for at least five years. Troy and I only have two cousins, Austin and Anna, and we are all so close in age that it feels like I have additional siblings sometimes. For the most part, we've always gotten along great, but they will tell you that I was quite bossy. And I probably was. Sorry guys!
{Boston with the Cousins, Fall 2008}
Jenny encouraged us to all get along and have fun together, especially at Camp Cousins. We danced along with to the music her player piano made and built forts out of umbrellas on her front porch. My mom and my aunt are really close, so it made it easy for the four cousins to be good friends. But I think these times we spent with Aunt Jenny made us even closer.
Troy's freshman year of college, the three Baylor Bears went up to visit him in Boston over our Fall Break. We had a blast all together. It was kind of like a grown-up version of Camp Cousins!
Jenny had a soft spot in her heart for her brother Travis' (Papa's) girls. Mom and Laura have stories about Jenny from when they were growing up, too. Before I left to study abroad in Europe in January 2009, Mom, Laura and I went up to visit Jenny in North Carolina. (She moved there about eight years ago, and it was very far away!)
Aunt Laura and Aunt Jenny
Mom and Aunt Jenny
{Yes, I know that my mom and Laura look alike. No, they are not twins!}
We were able to spend lots of time with Jenny, going through photos, laughing, talking and playing the piano.(That seems to be a theme. We must really like music!) Mom practically played through the entire Hymnal on the piano at the assisted living place while Laura and I sang. It was definitely one of the neatest memories I have, because the people living there came into the big room to sing along, even making requests. I definitely teared up a few times, especially as I sat there singing with Jenny squeezing my hand.
We also watched the inauguration together, which was really cool to witness a historical event with three generations. It felt very momentous.
I got to enjoy 22 years with my Aunt Jenny. At the age of 93, she was more than ready to get to Heaven. In fact she told me about two separate occasions where she was at the pearly gates and they wouldn't let her in yet! Amazing. I know she's rejoicing now. :-)
I thought I would be remiss not to include something about my Aunt Jenny on this blog, since it's all about the people and things that I love! Thanks for humoring me and reading about the random thoughts in my head that included a birthday cake, Camp Cousins and my Aunt Jenny today. :-)
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