One Weekend, Two Parties!

Kayla and her boyfriend on her graduation on May 1st.
Our party. on Saturday, was to celebrate the success of Heidi, David, Kayla and Stephanie(our 'adopted' daughter).
As a family, we wanted to remember Kayla in this celebration. So I put her grad photo out on display next to the others. Her presence was keenly missed but warmly remembered. I am certain she was close by enjoying this family time.

Stephanie is Heidi's best friend. She is our "adopted" daughter. Kayla and her family had just moved away to Edmonton. Heidi was missing her keenly when Stephanie magicaly appeared in her grade two classroom and they latched onto each other instantly. Stephs dad died three years ago and she looks to Keith as a father figure. She really is like one of our own kids! We love you steph and are so proud of you. And thanks to her Mom heather for sharing her with us. Little Lexi has really taken a shine to Steph as well. She sits on her knee and hugs her.

The 16 children swam for hours. Auntie Valerie was ready for the sun with her hat and big glasses. Valerie has always been so supportive of the many children in this family. Never had kids of her own, but is the most amazing Auntie these kids could have wished for. She even gave Keith and I a nice card and a gift to recognize our efforts as parents in assisting the kids to this point of their young lives. Thanks Val! We love you.

Thanks also to Kathreen for her wonderful email filled with such glowing comments and support. We are sorry she didn't make it into town, but there will be other times. Kathreen is Keith's first cousin.

The men played Boche Ball, which is a sort of lawn bowls.
They all had a chuckle when I asked them to pose for me holding their balls! From left to right is Keiths Brother Norm, (Kayla's dad), Their Dad, Harvey, Their Uncle Stuart, and of course that sexy beast, my hubby, Keith!

I was delighted to have Deanna of WORD OF THE HOUR IS... (see my side bar), and her family join us. Deanna was the first real friend I made in Canada back in 1975. Here she is with her little golden haired beauty. Though we don't see near enough of each other, I am aware how lucky I am to have been blessed with such a good friend. I am so proud of the wonderful wife and mom she is!

Deanna's Husbandman and Hamsterson played little bit of fooze ball against Keith and Auntie Valerie.

Later , some of the boys played RISK. These boys get along so well. Without being asked, Troy and Nick cleaned up all the dishes from the party! I am sure their Mom in Edmonton must miss them terribly as they are such pleasant, willing, cooperative and intelligent young men. Such a pleasure to have them here.
Its been a busy weekend for this family.
I think we had 35 people here. Only ten of those weren't family! Half of them were kids. They were amazing little people and though the noise was fit to break the sound barrier, there was only laughter and happy noise. Not a squabble was uttered. The pool was packed with all the cousins. It was lovely to see them enjoying each other so well. The next day was another big event. Keith's other brother was having a party for his youngest daughters third birthday. I couldn't go as I had to work but the rest of the family was there. My SIL Donna took these pictures for me.

Here, Heidi sits with her Grandma in the shade of the canopy trying to keep cool. Our kids are blessed to have two wonderful Grandmothers. Heidi loves both of them so openly. By the way, this party will be televised in the fall as part of a reality show. There were TV cameras there recording the day. The host family is undertaking the 100 mile challenge. Everything they eat in that house for six months, has to be grown within 100 miles of home. Watch for it in the fall!Thanks for dropping by. Have a good week.