What a party!!!!

The first-ever "Everybody who has a birthday in September" birthday party was a smash! Everybody had a great time. Marisol - whose birthday actually was on Monday - said it was the best birthday she'd ever had. A headcount at one point had 80 or more people at Ola Lola's (where 20 is a crowd). Taking a hint from the UFO stand around the corner, people spilled out into the street. Cars were parked from Ola Lola's nearly half a mile down to the crossroad leading to Villa Tropical and to Tropical Trailrides. The roast pig (lechon asado, which was fabulous!)


was GONE! There were only a few bones and scraps left for the dogs. We ran out of several liquors and beers. So many people brought fabulous side dishes and everyone pitched in to help both at the end and to keep Ola Lola's clean throughout the evening.

The idea for a party in September started originally as a party to celebrate Elaine and Michelle, who share a birthday day. Then Suzanne wanted to have a party for Marisol. Ana wanted to celebrate her birthday at Ola Lola's, too. Jennifer wanted a party for her husband Trevor. All these plans were going on separately. We started pulling them together into one big bash, the "Everybody with a birthday in September Party." We knew there were at least six people to celebrate.

When we called all the September birthday people up front to sing happy birthday, there were 15 (we think...not sure if we got everyone)!

There are so many people to thank for making this party such a huge success:

Suzanne for taking the lead, organizing the "outside" stuff, bringing decorations and supplying Ola Lola dips.
Lesa, Brian and Carlos for arranging for the pig roast (and Ramon, with help from our neighbor Felix, for preparing and serving such a delicious dinner).
Kendra who made special birthday crowns for the "guests of honor."
Ana for arranging for the DJ who did a great job keeping the music going and people dancing (I'm especially grateful for the DJ. Usually music is my department. I was just too bloody busy to even think about music! Great job, Juan.)
Everyone who contributed side dishes and desserts, and everyone who contributed to the cost of the pig and the DJ.
Elaine of course. I can't even begin to describe her huge efforts before, during and after the party.
And EVERYONE who came, shared their evening with us, had a huge great time, helped keep things picked up and kept us smiling, and helped make it a wonderful party that we ALL enjoyed.

I had very little time time to take pictures (too busy running out of stuff in the bar) but Suzanne is sharing her pictures on Shutterfly. The pictures above are hers, too. Thanks, Suzanne!