Gabby's Graduation Party

It turned out to be a lovely day to celebrate with only one small rain burst in the middle of the afternoon! We had an excellent team of setter-uppers, including my friend Jo, who dreamed up ideas for centerpieces. Caelan did the flower arrangements, I sewed the placemats, and Gabby painted the tiny canvases. It all looked so pretty with the twinkle lights floating in the water! Gabby's larger works of art decorated the pillars and appeared behind her graduation table set-up. I think I saw a few people checking the backs for pricing! :)

Somehow we accomplished the loooooong list of graduation beautification before the first official guests began to arrive (it might have taken a large rubber mallet to pound a few things into the walls). I think by the end, more than 100 people showed up to congratulate Gabby and to celebrate her accomplishment! The room looked so pretty, and we had plenty of food. Conversation and laughter grew in volume and filled the room. It was a truly good party, and I enjoyed it immensely!

Friends from youth group, our former church, karate, the college, and more jumped into pictures as I found time to take them. Eventually, the room was so full, remembering to take pictures kind of fell by the wayside. I think we captured some good memories though, along the way. It certainly was fun to catch up with friends of mine, and their kids (who have grown!) It was good to have family in the room. And we almost made it through two of the three big cakes we bought, that's impressive!

While I was visiting with guests by the door, party-end arrived and a crack-team of tearer-downers did an amazing swoop behind me! As my sister-in-law's nephew said, "Where did the party go?" It was packed up and stored in the van in no time flat. In fact, we arrived at my brother's house at the same time as the caterer--Gabby's one wish, Chick-fil-A! What she didn't know was that they were including a graduation surprise package, pictured below :) Adorbs!

The after party turned into dirt bike riding, basketball hoops shooting, high-flying trampoline, pool playing, grad card opening, fun! We ended the evening with smores--like luxury smores, K even had marshmallow forks that you could rotate with your thumb--by the fire. We are super thankful for my brother and sister-in-law's generous open door policy when it comes to family gatherings! I'm sure I've said that before, but it is true every time :)

Praise God for family, friends, accomplishments, celebrations, and for His love! We are blessed!