We did not travel far this weekend. My siblings hosted a birthday party for me, and it was incredible. There were many wonderful things, all made by various brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

It isn't really fair (or accurate) to select one above all others for Best of Show, except that my niece Mary went above and beyond the call of duty with her fabulous Rainbow Cake. This wins points on so many levels:

• This was a grown-up recreation of the bestest birthday cake ever, made by my mom when I turned seven and then recreated as a surprise when I turned 30 - so it gets points for honoring family tradition.  
• The original was some sort of Jell-O based thing that would not really work for Saturday's crowd, so Mary had to think beyond the recipe while honoring tradition.
• The cake required creativity and planning to keep the colors separate and harmonious: she created layers of warm colors and cool colors so it would be attractive as well as colorful.
• The decorating was perfect, with a simple white icing accented by fruity-flavored colored sprinkles (not jimmies - something better) and its identity as a Rainbow Cake had to be a surprise.
• It required technique in making, baking, and decorating, and confidence to commit to something new and untried.

I was never so happily surprised to see a birthday cake in my life. Bravo, Mary Rita!