Cammy's Retirement Party

Carrie made the harrowing trip on Friday to get to my house in enough time to get some sleep and then turn around and drive with us down to Virginia Beach for Cammy's retirement party on Saturday.  Camm's longtime friend Mary Ann Peterson held  the party for Camm, and her house was amazing.  A looooooong time ago, Mary Ann taught me to weave baskets, and I mean the real deal.  We soak reeds, dyed them, wove them while they were wet, clamped them in place until they dried in that shape, and then carved handles for them.  I think everyone got a "Jessica Original" basket for about a year of Christmases and birthdays, and then life got really busy and I just stopped making them.  But this story isn't about me, it's about Camm.

Cake from Sugar Plum Bakery

Carrie, Cousin Kristen, Aunt Jill, and Mary Ann

Carrie and I with our old neighbor Eleanor (affectionately known as "EE") from Thoroughgood.  We babysat her grandkids when they visited every summer, and now they are grown up and some even have kids!

The most awesome Pinterest inspired fruit platter

The cornhole matches got fierce.

I can't explain Carrie's face in this one, and I think she's gonna kill me for including it!

Carrie and Cousin Kevin

Not for another 7 years Garrett!  But the coolest Solo cup wine glasses.

Beautiful sunset for the ride home.

This Park Rocks

Part 2 of our park adventure.  We made it down to the water after traveling through the tall grasses and realized that the shallow river shore was too enticing to not throw rocks around.  Jason got very good at aiming for the middle of the river and would throw whole handfuls of rocks into the water.  Emily tried too, but was more interested in finding cool rocks to sneak home.  

And what happens when you mix little boys and rivershores?  You get wet shoes.  Lots of wet shoes.  We gave up trying to keep Jay out of the water.

Splash Master 3000

Momma goose and her babies

And when you go stomping around in the river for an hour, you end up riding home naked because no one thought to bring you an extra set of clothes.  Lesson learned!

Splendor in the Grass

Tim and I took the kids to the Old Mill park last weekend, just to get out of the house.  It was hilarious watching Jason try to navigate the tall grass.  Emily was pretty good about it but was still complaining that the grass was tickling her.  Enjoy these pics:

"I give up!" says Jason as he throws his hands up in disgust.

No fair!  Emily got a free ride from Daddy!

Caroline's Birthday Tea Party

Even though Garrett's birthday is first by 3 weeks, Caroline started planning her birthday party right after Valentine's Day.  She really wanted to do a tea party, and we found the perfect place in downtown Fredericksburg-- Pinkadilly Tea.  They fill up fast, so we made reservations about a month ago, knowing that I would have a large group of girls to bring with me.  The girls put on fun summer dresses and were soooo excited to go!

Claire, Caroline, Emma, Lolo, and Anna

Outside Pinkadilly Tea

It was so much fun!  The five girls ordered the "Little Miss" package, which consisted of their pot of tea, an array of tea sandwiches (cucumber sandwiches, pb & j, and cheese), mini desserts (tiny cupcakes, madeline cookies with cream and sprinkles, tea pot shaped chocolate pops), and chocolate chip scones with jelly and cream.  I ordered off the menu and ironically got the "Lady Caroline" lunch:  quiche (bacon, cheddar, and mushroom), corn chowder, and scones served with lemon curd and devonshire cream.  Yum!  We got a great assortment of hot teas:  strawberry shortcake, caramel, hazelnut and vanilla, English Breakfast, and pink lemonade.

The restaurant has a big display of fun hats that you can wear while you are there!

Pinkies out ladies!

One sugar cube or two, Mommy?  How about five?

When we were getting back in the car, we saw a wedding group go by.  They had used the same old moss covered wall for photos that we did when we got there!

After a fun afternoon of party time, pool time, and pizza time, we dug into a family favorite:  Dairy Queen ice cream cake!