Yesterday was Chris' Birthday, and it was a big one – 30!  Last Saturday we had a party for him.  We had it at the chapel where we meet for church.  We spent quite a bit of time setting up and cooking party food.  We didn't have as good of a turn out as I would have liked, but we had most of the family there and some good friends from church.  I made a special train cake for Chris which he really liked and so did the kids!  That along with 45 cupcakes kept me in the kitchen the entire night before here is the cake:

I was pleased with the way it turned out. 

Here is the party before the party:

His sweet sister Rachel did the signs and also spent a lot of time helping me set up.

Yesterday we didn't do much to celebrate.  We went to dinner but it was PACKED so we ended up coming home and getting a take away.  I felt really sad because no one from Chris’ family said Happy Birthday to him but his dad and sister and he has to wait to get his present from America, so I tried a new recipe for a chocolate cake.  It was one of the best cakes I’ve ever had (if I do say so myself):

One of the things I did for Chris’ party was get his friends from around the world to send him birthday cards – we got quite a few and I am so thankful for them because I think it make Chris’ birthday even more special knowing that so many people care about him.  Here in England they give cards for everything and then display them so here are Chris’ cards:

17 cards in all (yes the one on the far right on the TV is a pickle – thanks Abbie).

All in all it wasn't the surprise 30th Birthday party that I wanted but, I hope Chris’ knows how much people care about him!