Happy Birthday Natalie (& Alexis)!

Stuart and Gavin help surprise Natalie.

Last week, at the invitation of her beautiful daughter, Natalie, many friends of our dear friend, Alexis Phelps, whom we lost last year to cancer, ostensibly got together at Carmine's Il Terrazzo on what would have been Alexis' birthday, to celebrate and remember her life.  Although we did that too and wore hot pink in memory of Alexis and a few of the guests showed up in blonde wigs in honor of Alexis, the group had secretly decided to surprise Natalie and celebrate and recognize her 30th and 31st birthdays, since her birthday is just the day after her mom's and no one had felt like celebrating last year.

Patti Payne and Natalie arrive to the surprise.

Patti Payne helped organize the group surprise, while Lesli Ann Cone agreed to shop for the gift.  Though we know that none of us can ever take Alexis' place, we all welcomed the opportunity to share our love with Natalie.  Her dad, Stuart and brother, Gavin, were also in on the surprise.

Natalie, Laura Peterson, Leslie Ann Cone, Kathy McQuaid

The plan was for Patti to pick up Natalie and delay just a bit in bringing her to ensure that everyone else was already in place at the restaurant to help surprise Natalie.  However, Natalie, who hates being late, had arranged to pick up cupcakes for dessert and had Fran's heart shaped chocolates as favors for each guest, was so frustrated by the time they actually reached the restaurant since Patti made several intentional wrong turns on the way.  It took her a moment to realize that the event's focus had been switched up a bit and was now about both her birthday and in remembrance of her mom.

Natalie's Cheering Squad and Friends of Alexis

 

Once Natalie realized that the day was now about her also, she was a very good sport and everyone had a wonderful time celebrating together.   Natalie had included one of Alexis' favorite quotes along with the chocolate hearts.  I'm not sure whether everyone received the same quote, but here is what mine said, "Women's equality?  Why would I want to give up my advantage?"

It was fun to see the many friends who were on hand to help celebrate; some of whom had known Alexis forever (her sister Gwen for example) while others were newer friends of Alexis.  Toni Hoffman, Pat Wallace and I realized that we went back many years with Alexis since we all met in Junior League almost thirty years ago now.  Some of the other celebrants not already mentioned included Francia Russell, Sherry Raisbeck, Cindy Lee, Robin Gainey, Laura Peterson,  Margaret dell'Osso, Theresa Dowell, Janet True, Kathy McQuaid, Anna Rosella, Betty Tong and Alida Oles.

Happy Birthday dear Natalie!  I know that Alexis was watching us celebrate her daughter and smiling down on all of us from heaven.