I have a ridiculous number of fun pictures to share with you from the super-duper, too-much-fun, party-of-the year my sister Lor and bil, Darryl threw for their friends and family and their friends and family yesterday! It was one of those come-on-over kind of occasions you-are-going-to-be-welcome! In this case, even Mother Nature got in on the fun and sent her sun 
for a 72 degree day. Perfecto!
Three of my favorite boys on the planet — my three nephews!
Let me start with a little history on the event. This started — oh my gosh I’m not sure how many years ago now! — but the day after my oldest nephew Tyler and Kinga got married so its always been called the “Day After Party” as in the “day after the wedding.” It was so much fun that year, they have kept having it periodically over the last eight(?) years or so.
My wonderful niece Kinga who I’ve talked on often here — along with the rest of my gang — is originally from Poland. So at this occasion it is especially fun since many of the Polish friends and family they have from her side of the family join with all the rest of us plain,ole, one-language, straight Americans. The bringing together of the two groups makes for the VERY BEST POTLUCK ever!
Darryl smoked some fantastic ribs, turkey and brisket (scarfed down! so good!) and then everyone was encouraged to bring along some kind of side dish like a salad or dessert. Boy did they! We had an incredible choice of some really yummy foods. I had a Polish cream puff (not what they called it!) to die for for dessert and a piece of banana cake from Ty and Kinga’s neighbor that was the best ever.
Lor and Darryl started out with a beautiful home in the country that they have made incredible. You approach the property through a beautiful covered, country bridge with giant flower pots hanging in the middle, make your way past a small vineyard that they put in, and gorgeous flowerbeds that a childhood friend of my middle nephew Nathan’s friend Hunk has put in with hard work and a magic touch. But it’s when you come around to their new back yard that you see the full magnitude of their hard work. It went from a plain grassy yard to the Monet of landscaped areas! So welcoming with meandering walkways, a lovely greenhouse, raised flowerbeds and a fabulous water feature running throughout. I’m pretty sure it will end up on the cover of some yard and garden magazine. The whole place added up to the perfect setting for this party.
Right next to their beautiful new waterfall feature is where the band, Heart of Gold got to set up and play. Live music at the event! Love it! Plus there was was volleyball games going on late into the evening, ping pong, bocce ball and loads of dining, drinking even some dancing!
Some of my very favorite things:
- My nephew Spencer was there from spending a summer in Austin, Texas. He came home with a beard and looked cute in a cowboy hat — Texas style y’all.
- Bunches of his friends were there including some musical ones and they did a short set in between Heart of Golds sets.
- I always love having my nephews and wives (and Savanna!) at any event but its a bonus at these things where their friends come along too. It’s nice to meet the people in their lives.
- It was such a treat to have not just our “frousins” (friends and cousins) from Boise there but also my bil, Jeff, from Glen’s side of the family. For Glen that was a definite highlight.
- I love these rare occasions where we get the chance to enjoy our Polish friends and family — and food! So nice.
- I love live, outdoor music on a summer day no matter who is playing. But when it’s Heart of Gold — well life is in perfect order.
- Our little almost three year old Savanna was in her glory with loads of little ones her age to run around with! So cute! They all had a ball.
- It’s so much fun to see the big groups of all ages out playing some pretty dang competitive volleyball together and having a great time.
- It felt so “summery” and in the Pacific Northwest this year that is sort of a rare feeling.
- The big evening ending bonfire was warming and welcoming — and fun.
- I love having family willing to put all the hard work and expense that it takes to put together something like this. Thank you Lor and Darryl! It was spectacularly fun.
I think I mentioned I have loads of pics to share — better make that loads and loads! More posts of pics coming up later today. This just gets us started but the day is calling. Come on back to check out all the fun.
