2 Teenagers? Can it be?

Grant is officially a teenager now. Scary thought.

He wanted an ice cream cake. Doesn't this look like a muddy tractor tire. Yes, I meant for it to be like this!

This couple were taken home with us when we fortuitously ran into them at Grants birthday dinner....at our favorite Mexican restaurant of course.

And we had the neighbors, and Marge to help us hold a wake for our departing "little" boy.

And Marge has a great sense of humor,

Having boxes, inside boxes, each full of some mystery.

And as you can see, it was very fun for us all. Joe sat on my lap and giggled with delight throughout the openings.

Joe picked out this Lego set all by himself. They had a great time putting it together together.
(Is that correct English?)

And we went up to VR for a little camping trip. Just the kids and I, so we set up the tent for the boys. Johnny-Jump-Up Creek was running full tilt. The sound of rushing water in spring is quite delightful.

Conrad, relaxing and fulfilling the requirements for a classic education. (Archie comics)

Goat Mountain

Snorkeling in Cle Elum River? Brr. :)

Restful

And now, not so much.

Revenge!

Escalation!

Devious musings.

Daddy - Daughter time

This is sweet is it not? I believe they were watching some old slap-stick 3 stooges comedies together.

Lady Margery's Birthday Tea: Red Raspberry Wine Sorbet

6 cups fresh red raspberries rinsed (or frozen, thawed)
1 cup dry red wine
1-1 1/2 cups sugar
Juice of one lemon

In a bowl, combine raspberries, wine, sugar and lemon juice and let stand, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Transfer to blender and puree. Strain into an ice cream machine and freeze. Makes 1 quart of sorbet.

Funny story about this, our dear butler, while serving dainty cups of this deep red sorbet on a large tray....first course of course, and he spilled it all over my chair, and his bright white shirt. Smack dab in the middle. I was thankful I had vacated my seat. His face was a bit red, his shirt was very red, his wife's face was redder still, and of course he made it seem like he did it on purpose. Classy couple.

Taco Party

Beth and Kristin close to the wonderful taco bar. The food was spectacular as usual.

Kids having a wonderful time in the roomy living room, running around like chickens!

Ron and Bradley

Jenith and Marge.

Sorry Kristin, this may not be the best picture of you, (she is always stunning regardless!) but the painting in the background is one I did a few years ago, and I never got a picture of the final result. The reflection in the water is my favorite part.

Lively discussion!

With lots of laughs shared.

The guys were Not doing the dishes, but look how close they came to it!

This is seconds? Thirds? She was a very hungry hostess! Smile.

The household mascot, Matisse by name, is getting a drink from the table ouside. He is sooo large and sooo sweet!

Goodbye

We had a wonderful meeting and potluck to say goodbye to our dear little blond family. We know they will be nurtured well were they are going, and will be faithful to be a help there as they were to us. Still, we will miss them!

Lady Margery's Tea Party

Lady Hilde

The Party

Gerrald serving. It was a wonderful bonus to get to sit down and be waited on. Thanks G!

I cannot believe it but this will not load for me in the appropriate manner. Here is Lady Marge and her sister, Lady Elly.

And the butler, with his dear wife.

Lady Brenda, Lady Masako, Lady Maria.

Lady Ruth

Lady Betty. Adorable in every way. The Birthday Tea was a wonderful success and the start of many more parties to come. I spent many enjoyable hours planning, cooking, cleaning and sorting though all of Marges very pretty dishes from her mom. She seemed to really enjoy the fellowship, the dainty food, and the use of all those precious things from the past. What fun!!