We've started celebrating the 4th of July.......

[Princess Buttercup]

We had a few last minuite things to do like painting the hallway......




Planting some plants.......







Planting some trees


And filling up the doughboy swimming pool.






The Hamands were the first to arrive today. We hung out at the house for a few hours and then we needed to go to the recycling center and Costco so we took the scenic train route through the redwoods and even happened to get to the train crossing right when the train was passing.

With a lot of team work.....the shopping done by Courtney and me , almost all of the cooking done by Brittany and the clean up done by me and a some additional help from Michelle, we came up with this awesome Hawaiian style dinner:






Pork, jasmine rice, Hawaiian rolls:




Maitais and coconut shrimp with dipping sauce


The tropical fruit and avocado salad was my favorite part



The dessert of raspberries and bananas with homemade caramel sauce looked yummy........





We were all pretty full from dinner , but Adam was ready for dessert:





We moved down to the garage where we have two long tables with plastic tablecloths set up because we knew this was going to be messy!



Adam could not get enough...he was gobbling them down....











But Michelle managed to snag a few so she was happy!


It was now time to burn off dinner . Good thing the Hamands brought their Wiiii











I was enjoying just watching everyone else play! And folding laundry at the same time!










Now it was Courtney's turn:

( Adam was serenading us with his drum music the whole time!)








I love the way Adam looks like he is playing too in this shot. LOL



I finally decided to give it a try and I was terrible at it. Ken and I were boxing and he knocked me out cold!!





Tomorrow , we'll be going to Henry Cowell park in the morning while we wait for Luv'slilo and her family to arrive. Then we'll be heading down to the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk. If anyone wants to join us, please do!! Just pm me for my cell phone number so I can tell you where to meet us!!!

[penguinsoda]

What great pics!! Can't wait to see more!

Oh my gosh Adam looks like he's growing up soooo much. esp. in the pic of he and his mom with the berries!

[Radiobarry]

Anne, in my Year of A Million Dreams, Kathleen and I get an invite to your house during the July 4th period...

I certainly hope that Wesley didn't enjoy "virtually" beating you too much...I just watched COPS "diomestic violence" edition...

Great action pics...loved the food pics too...and the one with you in the background...well, let's just say the obvious...any pic with PB anywhere in it has to be considered a "good pic"...

Thanks for sharing these! Have a great week!

--Barry

[Princess Buttercup]

^ Barry, we invited everyone..all you had to do was RSVP!



It's not too late to drive up here for the 4th of July events. You might even be able to get a room at the Best Western which is where some of the other people are staying . Or we also have the futon couch in the garage available still!

[Radiobarry]

^ Barry, we invited everyone..all you had to do was RSVP!



It's not too late to drive up here for the 4th of July events. You might even be able to get a room at the Best Western which is where some of the other people are staying . Or we also have the futon couch in the garage available still!

Oops...sorry. PB. My "bad". Assuming you're doing this again next year, and good Lord willing, we'll plan aheads next time. Sorry if I came across like a "whiner". Have a great time!

--Barry

[Princess Buttercup]

^ You don't sound like a whiner at all. I just wanted you to be sure you knew you and Kathleen were welcome. We have a party every year because we can see the fireworks from our house.


This year , since a lot of Micechatters are coming , we're going to have a Micechat theme for the parade. Too bad I don't have any Micechat business cards or we could throw them to people along with the candy bags!

[Aristocat]

You guys are so cute! And you know how to party...mai tais and Wii? What a blast! Looks like you're having a very Happy Holiday!

[TraceCub]

Thanks for including us in the festivities!

[BDBopper]

Oh my goodness, Anne! I love what you did to the house! Thanks for sharing your pictures! It looks so awesome! I hope you have the most fun tomorrow!

Maybe in a few years when I have enough money to come out there myself I can attend your awesome annual party. I was going to say next year but it won't be a good time. I'll be just finished moving to San Antonio with my friend William. I will be strapped for cash a bunch than. But two years from now I will definitely be in good shape.

[pratt55]

Great report so far. Now we know what you did with the pork. All of the food looks yummy. Good food, good friends = good times.

[clara]

Awww..Anne...I miss you and Ken and your kids so much! You all are so much fun! And the Hammands to! Adam is growing fast!

[Ginarella]

Om Gosh! the Food!!!

Luv the pictures- Have Fun.

[Max Fischer]

What an awesome report, thanks SO much!!!

Also, I LOVE your kitchen, it looks like the set of a movie. Seriously, I love the cabinets, tile, everything.

I love how you do it up, looks like a great party. I am like you, the devil is in the details. Have a great fourth, I wish I could be celebrating with you guys!

[Dr. Earkid]

Have fun!! I will miss you all. Maybe next year!

[Nomar_Garciaparra5]

lol, kewl