PART 21

The first birthday after the center opened gave me another reminder that family milestones could be joyful without being uncomplicated.

Katie and Chloe wanted a party in the backyard with a treasure hunt, a cake shaped like a river, and two completely different sets of decorations.

Katie wanted bright colors.

Chloe wanted a map with numbered clues.

My mother solved the disagreement by putting the clues on colorful paper and declaring herself the official treasure keeper.