Two Vases Full

Monday we held our annual Birthday Bash where we celebrate all the birthdays for all our kids and their spouses all at once. The main reason I started this tradition was the increasing difficulty in gathering our tribe all in one place to celebrate birthdays. And since five out of seven children have spring birthdays, I decided to just find one day in the spring that would be open for everyone, have them over for a meal, and dispense a nice envelope of cash to each of my offspring. In the spring we generally have nice weather and can eat out in the back garden where there's much more room than inside.

DH took advantage of Kyle being home to help him install the shade sails over the patio, then put a piece of plywood between the two tables to increase the seating capacity at the table. I love cheap solutions! With a garden full of roses, I filled two vases with blooms and put the lantern in the center. How I love spending time out on the patio with my kids, or anyone really!

For lunch I had smoked a big brisket and pork shoulder for pulled pork, bought a veggie tray and a birthday cake, and the older kids filled in with my mom's famous macaroni salad, cole slaw, and chips. Plus I raided my wine cellar for something nice to go with the food. We had a wonderful afternoon, the grandkids played and not once did I hear, "Can I watch a movie?" They had fun playing outside or inside with the Legos/games.

And I have lots of leftovers to make dinner easy for a few nights!