50th Birthday Celebration in Denver & Phoenix!

Celebrating 250 years between friends since Jr High School!

During my recent visit to my old stomping grounds in Denver Colorado, I got together with some of my favorite people from my Jr High days. We are all turning 50 this year and got together to celebrate our friendship and this milestone birthday.

From L-R: Teri P, Leanne C, Betsy B, Terri H, and me - missing is Kathy A, see below...

Betsy, Terri, Teri and I were hippy chicks together back in the day. We used to vow never to go straight. Good thing we gave up that belief. We still look great and younger than our years. Denver is the one place from my childhood that I feel I have roots - given we moved over 25 times due to my dad being in the Air Force. I still love it here and my friends who helped to form my identity and a sense of belonging somewhere.

Our birthday cake. We used to think that life ended after 30 - and we never thought we would make it much past that age. Now we have surpassed it by 20 years!

Betsy is one of my all-time best friends. She has been there for me for years. Thanks Betsy! We made the collage behind us before the birthday dinner. It was fun going back in time.

Teri and Leanne are sisters-in-law. Leanne married Teri's brother and had a family while we were out getting into mischief.

Kathy A, the comedian of the group was missing from this event. Don't let the halo around her head fool you. She is pure mischief...and lots of fun too.

Another life-long friend and fellow 50 year old is Kathy C. from Aurora, Co. We were best friends in 9th grade before I moved to Japan. From L-R Kathy, Crystal (neice), me, JD (nephew), and her son Dallas.

Celebration in Arizona

David and I went to a murder, mystery dinner in Scottsdale and I had no idea I would have competition at the meal. Trixie was drawn to David in a hot flash and then she was feeding him my birthday cake. Imagine that...

And I have the proof. Luckily, she wasn't the murderer. It was the not-so-magnificent Steve.

Here I am with my dad and step-mom. They coordinated the efforts in Arizona for my big 5-0. Oops! That's me without my make-up...don't tell anyone.

We played pin the tail on the donkey and had a pinata that wouldn't break open until we beat it on the ground. Lot's of fun.

My favorite Auntie and Mom's sister, Esther.

My favorite cousin Steve.

My favorite cousin Raul and cousin in law Gloria.

More favorite cousins, Leonard and wife Bobbie

Here I am with favorite cousins Lorene, Corina and their daughter

Favorite cousins Virginia and Yoli

It was a fun time and it doesn't feel much different being 50 than 49 except I am eligible for AARP now. Thanks for sharing my birthday pics with me.