So I had that big birthday this year. Way back in September. A few weeks ago, my daughters planned a weekend getaway to celebrate with them. And it was so completely perfect.

They whisked me away to a place they found, close but far enough away to feel as though we were just us.

Being from the midwest, my idea of escape is a rustic cabin, a quiet lake, deep woods and a cozy fire. Same for the girls who grew up visiting my father's handmade cabin in Missouri.

Always the best escape is one that includes my three sweet girls. All together. Again.

Erin

Maggie (and bambino)

Momo

They planned it so well. Maggie made a playlist of music they grew up on. Categories included piano recitals, dinner parties, dance moves, weekend breakfasts. It played in the background while we sat by the fire and started a quilt for the bambino in the style of the one Pam made for me.

There was a moment when I looked up and flashed on the book I wrote years ago about mothers and daughters at home. It works! We were sewing together, making this quilt collectively. Wow. Joy!

They also made a menu of foods I used to cook for them when they were little.

Dutch baby pancake with lemon wedges and powdered sugar. (Beef stew. Mac 'n Cheese. They are way better cooks than I ever hoped to be!)

With the sun pouring down through the golden trees, we walked through the woods to a farm where the owner sold fresh eggs. We wandered around her pretty farm, watched the hens, met the barn cat, petted the golden retrievers.

The three of them together, reunited, sharing their deep sisterhood. So wonderful to see.

We watched the eagles flying the lake, sitting in the trees right outside the cabin.

Can you see him flying just above the tree line on the right? We tried to keep up.

Bambino kicked and met his aunts for the first time.

I'm so very lucky to have these three. My dear girls. The way they love. Each other, me, their dad, their husbands, their grammy, their friends, the world they live in.

Yes, it was a happy, happy birthday.

And next week they'll be home for Thanksgiving! So much gratitude ... and time to work on that quilt together again!