Monday, August 13, 2007

Greetings from the Other Side of the Weekend!!!

I hope all of you had a fantastic weekend!! I made the comment to Gary late on Saturday night that it had been a really good day. And then last night, after picking McKenna up from a pool party, I said pretty much the same thing to her. "Yep, it's been a good weekend," she said. Love that!

So, I guess we need to see some photographic evidence of the good weekend, huh?

On Saturday, we celebrated my niece Lori's 16th birthday with a party at Gary's parents'. It was such a nice get-together, with some cool teenagers, great snacks, and lots of laughter! I love taking pictures of Lori because she is just so darned photogenic! A few of my favorites...




Can't have a great birthday without a yummy (and pretty!) cake...

We were all gathered to celebrate Lori's birthday; it was HER big day, after all. But my little Scout, being the center-of-attention that she is, managed to get sme prime time in the spotlight at the party!

First, she and Raymond did a dance and acrobatic performance in the backyard for us (her newest thing is "break dancing," which involves rolling around on the ground, sticking her leg up in the air, and kinda halfway standing on her head!) And then, of c ourse, posing...


And then she managed to talk Raymond and Allan into a tea party (yes, 17-year-old boys can be talked into anything by a cute 3-year-old who gives you hugs and kisses!) They even stuck our their pinky fingers while they drank. And S taught them to say, "Pip pip cheerio!"...

That evening, we went to celebrate another big birthday--my Mom's 60th!!!!

My Mom is so much fun and LOVES celebrations. I definitely think I get my love for birthdays and presents from her (she and I both can get SO excited over the tinest of gifts, simply because they are given to us by people who love us!). I decided to give her British-themed gifts, since she loves anything (movies, television, food, literature) that's English. I got her "The Queen" on DVD, and threw in "The Holiday" for good measure (since it's one of my fave recent movies). I also got her some teacups, tea, and British cookies...

I had to snag a picture of McKenna with my sister-in-law Danielle. They were both sporting the same cute, trendy hairstyle...

Then Mom and I...

And Mom with her five grandkids--who are definitely her pride and joy...

It was just a wonderful Saturday full of family and fun and celebrations. Just the sort of days I love!!!

Also this weekend, McKenna had to have pictures taken for this year's high school football program. Yes, it's my favorite time of year--fall and football!!! This is McKenna's color guard team from the high school (they do flag and dance routines). She is the third from the left on the second row ...

And now, I'm really looking forward to this upcoming week! I've got some really neat new writing projects to get to work on and I also have some fun activities planned. I also plan on staying inside as much as possible (we broke a temp record yesterday when it got up to 102. The hottest Aug 12th since the late 1800s!) It's good to not dread the week, don't you agree?

How was your weekend? And what are you looking forward to this week?

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

She is very photogenic, and beautiful! :)

Great shots.

Kari (GrannySkywalker) said...

The "tea party" was just too much! Priceless, priceless, priceless! Never underestimate the charm of a 3 year old...

Adrienne said...

Great pics! Glad you guys had a good weekend, but its STILL Sunday!! I had to look at the clock to see what time it was!! Don't confuse me! ROFLOL!!!!

Phats said...

Wow you and your mom look a lot alike.

Sounds like a great weekend, and boy that cake looked good. I wonder if the 17 yr old is going to regret letting you take that picture someday ahha.

I had a great weekend, went gambling, and spent sunday with Kristen can't beat it! But I am not looking forwad to tomorrow, because I head back to work, no kids though just the teachers.

Lynilu said...

"Pip, pip, cheerio"?????? Oh I wish I could have heard that! What a hoot!

When I was 3, I asked my 16 yr old sis's boyfriend to wait for me to grow up if my sis didn't marry him. He promised, but disappeared!

TK Angels said...

Happy birthday to your neice and mother. You and your mother look alike. Beautiful looking women. I lovedall yuor pics especially the one with your mother and her grandchildren *smile*

Ahhh the color guard /dance team. My daughter was a color guard all four years of high school. So I became a band mon so I could attend all games home and away *smile* Enjoy.

Take care,
Love, Terri

Kingcover said...

Something tells me that perhaps Lori doesn't have a choice if she is photographed or not, ya meanie ;-)
Cute b'day photos and you and your mum have the same colour hair almost. Hahahahahaha. I'm gonna get beat up now lol.

Happy belated b'day to your niece and mum :-)


Word ver "styxkij" - Wasn't there a band named Styx??? Gary will probably know.

Jenster said...

Wonderful pictures. Your neice is beautiful. Love her smile. And I love the picture of the big guys having a tea party! They must be very special. :o)

Our weekend was good. Busy, but very good. I'm looking forward to playing with my kids this week. Pretty much all our summer plans had to be cancelled because of medical issues, but I have two weeks left to play until school starts. So I think this will be a great week!

Cheryl Wray said...

Crazy--She really is!!
Kari--Oh, it was TOO cute!!! They were great sports!!
Adrienne--I know!! I cheated and posted like at 11 pm last night! lol
Phats--It's funny because everyone says my Dad and I look JUST alike. I never had people say I looked like Mom until I hit about 30! I LOVE cake of any kind!!! Your weekend sounds GREAT!!! How fun!!!

Cheryl Wray said...

Lynilu--Sydney LOVES teenage boys. It's so cute!!
TK--I love football and would go to the games anyway, so it's so fun to go and watch McKenna too.I love this time of year because of it!!
King--HA!!! You are SO in trouble!!! I know, I know!! You wouldn't believe (well, I guess you would!) how many gray hairs are in my head!! It's scary!! I think it's time for some new blonde highlights from a bottle!! And yes, if you are a friend or family member, there is no choice but to smile when I click the camera your way!
Jenster--I'm very jealous that you guys still have 2 weeks before school! It's just so hot here that I hate taking the girls to school! Enjoy your week!

Going For Greatness said...

Oo what a fun weekend you had! Your niece is beautiful and I agree, very photogenic!
Scout is too cute! She's a charmer!
Looks like everyone had a great time! I love weekends like that; when everything goes smooth and everyone's HAPPY!
~Gabi

Anonymous said...

What a lot of fun you guys had this weekend! love all the pics!

Susie Q said...

Wonderful pictures...happy birthday beautiful Lori!

Happy birthday to your LOVELY Mother!
She is so pretty!
I love the Brit themed gift!

The Queen and The Holiday were my 2 fave movies of the year!

LOVE being on the color guard! I was on what they called then, the drill team. Had a blast!

Have a sweet week dear Cheryl!

Hugs,
Sue

Dawn Bibbs said...

I too love celebrations and birthdays. I think I'm pretty much done getting older...40 is about all I can take. So from here on out...So when my day comes in November, I'm 40 again :-).

Love the tea party pictures. That just proves that teenagers are more softies than they are willing to admit. Love it!!!

Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.

Jill said...

What great photos...I can tell you all had lots of fun. I loved the "theme" you picked for your mom's gifts..what a great idea. I loved The Queen...great movie!

Cheryl Wray said...

Gabi--It is SO good to see you here!!! It's been awhile, i believe!! And yes, i love weekends like that too!
Gin-We DID have fun!
Susie--So cool to think of you on the drill team! It is fun!! I was a cheerleader and then also on the dance team and loved them both!
Dawn--Ha ha!!! I have one more year until 40, so I'm gonna enjoy my parties until then!!!! I LOVE teenagers; I think they are just the coolest and I totally appreciate them!
Jill--Thanks! Mom really loved the British stuff!!

Adriann said...

Lori is a cutie! I can't believe how much you look like your mom. At least you know you will age well. :).

Thanks so much for the football tip. I will research it.

Enjoy your week!

Charlotte said...

What a cosy post from your weekend! I love when family and friends are together! Fun, fun teaparty your 3 year old had. he he ... and those big boys! They can be cute, eventhough they are 17, right?
Great photo of you and your mom. You look soooo much alike! :-)

Thanks a lot for visiting my blog - it's so great with visitors from around the world!

Have a nice week!

AngelConradie said...

your weekends always sound like such fun! love the pics, and i do hope it cools down some soon...