Bridal Tea

On Saturday, the 10th, I hosted a bridal tea for Amanda at Gordon's Sweet Imaginations, a tea room in Killeen. I think this was the best shower I've ever hosted because I hardly had to do anything. It was decorated so nice in a black and white theme, which is exactly what Amanda wanted. In attendance were three of Amanda's attendants and wives of some of Ken's co-workers.

The food was sooooooooooooo good. There were sandwiches, petit fours and cakes. When Amanda and I made the arrangements we knew they said cakes would be served, but we thought they meant little tea cakes. So, we decided we wanted a decorated cake with their names on it. There was a red velvet cake in the display case and Amanda wanted to get that one. Well, on the day of the shower, when they set up the food, we noticed two full size cakes (one lemon and one German chocolate). Needless to say, we had plenty of cake and it was all fantastic.

Here is Amanda with her sister, Jessica, who is her maid of honor. This next picture is Amanda holding Jessica's gift. Jessica wanted everyone to know that this is a chip and dip bowl and that the dip goes in the middle and then the chips go around the outside.

This last picture is Amanda with her friend, Deborah, who recently had a baby. If she didn't actually have her daughter with her, I would have my doubts that this girl just had a baby. They have been best friends for seven years and felt they didn't have a really good picture together, but I think this one fits the bill.

May 3, 2008

The church had a Mother/Daughter brunch for Mother's Day. Amanda came to go with me and we had a really good time. The food was delicious, we played some games and had a lot of good fellowship.

The same weekend we moved all of the heavy stuff from one storage area we had to another storage area we just got. Steve and I had moved most of the boxes and smaller items ourselves, but we needed Ken and Amanda's help to get the gut-busters.

April 5, 2008

The weekend I got back from California Ken and Amanda came to visit and to go to Six Flags for Amanda's birthday. We went to a car show being held at the fair grounds and had a look at the cars and all the accoutrement they try to sell you (you know, the stuff they have accumulated in their garages).

I always enjoy looking at all the older cars (meaning something older than what I cruised E Street in when I was younger). My favorite of the day was the Beemer with Scooby Doo at the wheel.

Easter

I noticed after I posted last night that I had totally overlooked the Easter pics. I have been scanning so many pictures lately that I'm not sure what pictures are where. I brought my pictures back from Cathy's and I have a ton to scan.

I'm happy to say the girls all had very nice dresses for the day and they all looked great.
Scott and Kelly looked pretty darn good, too. Cathy and Tony also looked great, but will never stand still long enough to have their picture taken.

Of course, the girls are always ready to have their picture taken.

Spring Break

I tried to do this last night and lost everything -- so I guess I'll try it again.

I went to California the last week of March and first week of April while the girls were on spring break. The main purpose for my trip was to get Christina and Samantha their junior bridesmaid dresses and Annie her flower girl dress. Samantha is about the only one who really enjoys shopping, but even this experience worked on her nerves. We tried to keep the initial excitement going by discussing shoes and how to wear their hair.

As you can see from the hands on the hips, Christina is our most unhappy shopper. We looked for dresses most of the two weeks I was there and purchases were actually made the day before I left. These, of course, are not the dresses we got. I think Aunt Amanda would not appreciate me showing the dresses off before the wedding.

I made sure when I made my reservations that I was sure to be in Redlands for two Thursday nights, so I could make it to at least one Market Night. That is something I really enjoy and I enjoy it even more with all the girls. There were some new things to see, but basically the same great funnel cake, donuts, breads and flowers. We had a good time sitting in the park area at State and Fifth where a wonderful singer was performing. The girls danced and played and it was a really good time.
While I was there Christina came down with something I don't think was ever diagnosed. Even after visits to urgent care, the doctor's office and the emergency room at Loma Linda Cathy was told she had strep throat and/or mono. Apparently, it was just a matter of running its course. After I left, evidently Samantha came down with the same thing and then Kelly got it.

Nic spent most of his time working, but I did get to see him every now and again -- when he came home for lunch.

Mia wanted to be carried everywhere or in the alternative to be pushed around. She would sit in the laundry basket and the girls would slide her around the house. (Of course the basket would be on a blanket to protect Uncle Tony's floors.)

I had a great time and can hardly wait to see everyone again at ken and Amanda's wedding. Latest word is, there is going to be a family reunion to coincide with the wedding. By then, I will so be ready to relax and enjoy myself.