The Party That Runs Itself

It's heartwarming to bring family and friends (old and new) together and to see everyone having a great time. There were 46 of us, including all the kids. Despite many who were unable to make it down, I have a feeling this party will only get bigger each year.

I'm not the shutterbug I once was. I had every intention of capturing all the essential memories of this party -- the food table, more pics of the group, more pics of me and John together. I bet you'll be able to find some pics on the Chumados site very shortly, so go check 'em out.

Blogger hates me. I have ONE more picture to load and it won't let me. But imagine me here with my friend, Neita. We met in the 6th grade - Mrs. Ralph's class at Four Corners Elementary. Maybe I will be able to add us in later. Anyway, Neita is as cool as ever. She hasn't changed a bit since elementary, jr. high and high school. And her girlfriend, Sherie is too cute. Here she is with our little Marie:

Freddy, William, Nate and Khalid strike a pose:

Mike and Diane chill out under a shady MAPLE tree:

Nicole and Mike share the swing and discuss how many jellyfish are in the water:

A bit of volleyball was played:

Nate cuts down a branch in hopes it will help his team win:

Freddy gives a little speech and thanks our family for having everyone out and to wish me and John a very happy anniversary:


Fred and John (Is he thinking, "What the???"):

Girls from work, Kara and Mary, had an adventure driving down from (Baltimore) but wouldn't let me take pictures of them. I'm glad they finally got to meet William and Freddy, as I'm always telling them stories about the gang.

Later in the evening, we all gathered on the lawn in front of the house by the water and watched some fireworks in the distance. We set off some of our own as well. A couple folks spent the night and we went to Main Street L-town for breakfast the next morning. It was a really good day.

A lot of people commented on how much work it must have been to throw this party, but honestly, the party throws itself. Breton Bay is a place where you can do everything or do nothing. There was volleyball, swimming down at the the pool, boat rides, or just napping on the lawn and enjoying the breeze (like Jay and Bianca). Just put out a few snacks, ask people to bring some beer and stuff... you've got a party!

THANK YOU, EVERYONE for bringing all kinds of yummy dishes to our party and for making the trek to Breton Bay (a 3-hr drive for some of you!) to join us. A special thanks to Freddy for taking control of the grill and to the clean-up crew who took home bags of trash for us (the community dumpster was too full).

Just for giggles, here's my hodge podge dinner from last night (lettuce, hot dog, mini crab cakes from earlier in the week and Bianca's mac & cheese):

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July, everyone!