The youngest member of the party was also the cutest boy on hand. This is my friend Milo Marston.

Milo’s parents Brian and Amanda came by to visit before the festivities really got rolling. Plus, Milo had to bail early. Something about having to work early the next morning.

The gathering included friends from long ago, current co-workers like Susan, Beth and Ryan, bloggers like the guy formerly known as Dwight, Raquita and Jerry and of course, Robin, aka Poppy Mom. Michelle and Danielle came toting husbands and Judy, Maria and Trish came stag.

My friend Melissa and her husband Kyle made it (giving me the opportunity to tell My Only Kyle Story), despite the fact that she had a wedding rehearsal earlier in the evening. Melissa’s a wedding singer. Guess what she’s singing at this particular wedding?

The Rose! (And don’t tell me you had The Rose sung at YOUR wedding.)

 Can I just say that Jerry and Raquita are, hands down, the best huggers in the entire universe?

I am not at liberty to report what Raquita and Robin were discussing when this photo was taken.

It may or may not have had to do with husbands. Or cake.

There was much discussion of both.

Who is this handsome devil?

He’s a doctor! And he doesn’t just play one on this blog.

This is my buddy Sean, who is headed to India next week. Have a safe trip, dude. I’ll be thinking of you.

No birthday would be complete without these two mugs. Probably the two people I talk to in St. Louis (or sometimes, in California) most often. Barry and Susan should not be allowed to hang out like this, but they were supervised, so it was OK.

They look like they’re having a good time, eh?

Pssst . . . they’re both single if you’re looking!