This And That

We had 9 straight days of rain and when the sun finally came out everybody went outside! I went out to the backyard to take some pictures and the sun went behind some black clouds (see it between the trees?) It was so nice to finally see some blue skies!

 

 

Our church held it's second Trunk and Treat on Saturday. We usually have a big Harvest Party inside with games, inflatables and food, but when covid hit we did a drive through Trunk and Treat last year and this year it was a walk through. They had a little clicker thing and counted 1300 people in about 3 hours! Chuck had the day off so he was able to come with us this year. It was so cold, only 45 degrees, I'm so glad we brought thermoses of tea and cider! I'm not usually one to dress up and do stuff like this but it really is fun. At least 3 parents told me their toddlers had just watched Winnie the Pooh for the first time! I love their smiles and amazement at seeing us, but I will say, everyone loves Piglet the best!

 

Diana and Peter arrived today! They've been driving across the country this week and finally pulled into our driveway around 4:30. We drove them out here the end of last month but they had to go back to New Jersey to sell Peter's house and tie up loose ends before coming out for good. Well, temporarily for good. They plan to move back there again in about 10 years. But for now, they are here! It's hard to describe the feeling when all your kids live nearby. I read once: 'Having kids is like having your heart go walking around outside your body.' But then having them move across the country?! Some days the feelings were indescribable.

Do your kids live nearby or far away?

Times Two

Work has been so busy lately. I'm working 6 days a week, sometimes 12 hours a day and Chuck has put in more than 120 hours the last couple of weeks! We get home at the end of the day and just sit in front of the TV. I've been watching Christmas movies and drinking eggnog. I am so ready for Christmas.

A few weeks ago we celebrated Beth and Sharaya's birthdays. They are 2 years and 4 days apart so we've often celebrated them together. Sharaya wanted to take the new light rail downtown to Elephant and Castle. I'd never heard of it before and the food was really good! Then we came back here for cake and presents.

(Not my pic)

Beth's actual birthday was on a Sunday, and Sharaya and Allie weren't able to join us so we asked Beth where she wanted to go for lunch. We weren't surprised at all!

Happy Birthday girls! I promise next year we'll sing! 😉

The Big Event!

There was the small ceremony in Boston on Wednesday. Then on Saturday they had a picnic for everyone who had come in from out of town for the reception. 

Then on Sunday, September 26 we woke up and got ready for the biggest event of the week! The girls all went to the salon and then met at Cairnwood at 2:00.

Cairnwood Estate ~

 The Sweetheart Table

When Diana told me they were going to have a photo booth I'll be honest, I was a little concerned. I imagined the kind you see at a shopping mall and I knew that wouldn't go with the vibe she was trying to create. But this thing was the hit of the party! It was big enough to hold a few people. And every single person in the photo got a strip and a 4x3, plus the guy put one strip and 4x3 onto a page that we got to write messages on, then he'll put those into a book for the bride and groom! It was a-m-a-z-i-n-g!

Me, Chuck, Beth and my sister Debbie.

 

Getting ready ~

While Diana and Peter were out taking pictures the rest of us got to enjoy Cocktail Hour. The servers came around with trays of the best hors d'oeurves! Everything I tried was so good. Everyone who tried anything said it was delicious!

I snuck outside to watch for a few minutes.

Then it was time for dinner and the introduction of the bride and groom!

Chuck and Sharaya, and Peter's dad and sister all made toasts, and after dinner we all went inside for the first dances. I'm standing to their left with my hands folded in front of me. Trying to hold back the tears. 

I wasn't the only one ~

 

Then the DJ cranked up the music and the party began! Dancing, drinking, laughter, it was so much fun!

 

Right after dinner my phone died so I don't have many pictures of the actual party. After it had been going for a while, Beth told Chuck she had wanted to sing. Diana had made a couple of comments during all the wedding planning about Beth maybe singing a song but honestly none of us thought she would actually go through with it so we never pursued it. Well, she did! And she sang loud enough to be heard over the track the DJ played! People were lined up against the walls and packed into the adjoining library to listen to her. She bravely stood there and sang Butterfly Kisses in front of everyone!

 

It was a wonderful night. A great way to end a weekend celebration of Diana and Peter becoming Mr. and Mrs.

Sharaya took these in Boston ~