50th Anniversary dinner

WE are SO fortunate to be able to celebrate ON THEIR 50th Wedding Anniversary date.  WE truly had a lovely night together.

Ani was our chef and prepped a delicious meal that the kids got to help with.  Riley was the best helper in the kitchen.

Stacie came up Saturday morning and helped us make the room feel extra festive.

Raspberry truffle mouse cake - the true icing on a beautiful night together.

Love that my mom added to the decor with our Hummel that I gifted to her years ago.

Capturing our people

Slaving away at the  charcuterie platter

I think I got them all!

If you give him a task, he will execute!

Capturing some sweet smiles

If you want the commentary that goes with this photo - here you go.

https://youtu.be/Cz8JfbAORsI

Here is the couple that started it all.

This is how we wanted to celebrate, no prepping at their house, no decisions. Just come and enjoy.  

A little back story, the intention was to surprise them.....  As Corona virus became a bigger concern, we had to ask if they were comfortable....  

They said yes

 and welcomed this weekend all together.  

To that, we are grateful as well.  

Plus it gave them a few extra days to enjoy the anticipation!

Photos and memories to treasure

Pretty beautiful family shot

Our chef for the evening!

We had her stick around to cut the cake and enjoy some.

The pinnacle gift was a book capturing the memories from the capstone cruise.

Looking ahead to what is 'coming' since I am blogging late I can literally see the future.  WE are so very fortunate to have enjoyed this evening and weekend together.

Sunday ended with a nail-biting several rounds of family knockout.

Would love to quarantine all together crew.

These really are the treasured times.

prepared

Its starting to get a bit crazy, kids are out of school - folks are stocking up on supplies - Everyone is running for bread, milk and toilet paper.  Meanwhile at the Leadbetters.

My kids are millionaires - in Indonesian money!  Love the thought from our best buddies - now to sock it away for our trip to see you!

Lets do it

Early morning rise = McDonald's in site - Slopes of Stratton here we come!

So much beauty on this mountain - to include an upside down Shane.

Love the family activity and at times bonding that skiing is for this crew.

Almost everyone - we were missing Nick for this weekend - he was away celebrating Beach styel with his New England Taters.

I wish you could see how many times Shane LAUNCHED himself off these jumps.  Think he spooked himself, but he always went right back.

Just love this one - and his new to him jacket - how many growing 8 year-olds can wear the same jacket for 3 years!

Sweet and daring Shane man!

The ultimate surpise

2 almost 3 years it was missing - deemed lost.  I was so hard on myself and crushed.  I treasure from my mom's childhood.  She gave it to me saying it wasn't expensive - but it was a memory of her first pearl. Upon losing it I hoped for other family heirlooms that filled it void......

 Last year she helped me re-create it with a pearl from Florida.  I tried to have a ring made in its honor, but of course ts never the same.....

And than, in opening an old jewelry gift box.......  my heart sang!!

My Birthday

So thankful to have this beautiful table full of ladies.  With everyone's busy kid/work schedules what a true blessing of time.  Thank you Beth of orchestrating and even picking me up!  You get me - 

Love the fun things that "roll in"  another lady that gets me and my love for a good face solution and time with a favorite podcaster - Amy Brown.  All in one I love you Farrah!

I love everything about this photo - Dad taking a break in slaving over his most delicious meal and labor of love for my birthday.  He rocked the perfect photo bomb - best wine glasses too Stosh!

Grandma remembered!  I love it!

Oma sue made the most delicious selections at Cake Gypsy

THIS is the stuff birthdays are made of.  Thank you family and Thank you Chris - you made my birthday week - from seat cushions, to Vodka - you do know me!

This little bit of cheer is just the plant for my limited window spot - 

Cheer to another year - 

Concert night with Goomba

CIS puts on and evening where groups of kids get together to play a song - percussion, trumpet, flute - all kinds of little ensembles.  Shane practiced and enjoyed playing hello darkness.  Its in the link right here that my dad recorded.

https://youtu.be/j_GDaiRSBaA  

Wish you could see his outfit - belt and all!!  I had to ask him to tuck in his shirt form the audience - Moms.....

Traditional out to ice cream afterwards.  Love that this crew can hang together!  Ice cream and band does bring us all together right?

Boys and dessert

We have this super cool ice cream maker - with all the ice cream these boys CONSUME.  It amazes me their lack of desire in actually making it.  But tonight - they are enjoying home made LEMON!  It took a few nights of mixing and chilling, but I would saw its worth it!