Happy Birthday, Me

Surprise! Happy 50th Birthday, Alan

For Alan's 50th, I decided to throw him a surprise party with all the family invited.  It's amazing, when we have a family party in Oregon, and they all come (including Ronan), there's 7 people.  When we throw a party in Dublin, and invite all the family, there's a guest list of 30.

After contemplating renting a fancy venue, I decided that throwing the party at home was better.  With the kids running around, and Connor's toys and Ronan's crib nearby, it seemed the best option.  So I didn't have to cook for everyone, I hired the same caterers who served us at Ronan's Christening.  Ahhh, now I could relax and enjoy the party.  :)

I had told Alan we were going out for a special Tango night, but David wanted to take him out in the afternoon first.  David would be bringing him back home so we could then go out.  So Alan was completely surprised when he got home to see everyone there.  First thing he said was, "I guess we're not going out tonight.  ;)"

It was a great party and fun to have a full house!

Warriors Outings with Daddy and David

David and Alan took Connor to Collin's Barracks for a demonstration of the old Celtic warriors.  (For the life of me I can't remember their names, but in the interest of getting this post published, I'll have to forego the details.  Forgive me, please.)

Forever my l'il warrior, Connor looks like he was in his element.  (I think it runs in the family.)  :)

The Famous Mary McCall

Anyone who has spent an iota of time with my sister-in-law, Mary McCall, knows she's a quick-witted, theatrical lady. However, you might not know that she truly is a thespian. And after 20 years, the director at the Small Stage Theater Company finally convinced Mary to grace his stage again in their latest production, A Basket Of Bennett.

I, however, am not a drama expert. So pardon me if I don't use the correct terminology. I know I loved the performance, but I don't know all the correct terms for talking about it.

Mary's piece was a solo act. She was alone for the entirety of the performance and it was her performance that opened the show. She was phenomenal! She told me she recorded herself reciting her lines and listened to them in her car to prepare.

She played a complex character whose story slowly unfolds. As the start, she seems light and comical and even if she's a bit nosy. Then it's revealed her nosiness has a darker side that is quite menacing to her neighbors. At the end, she's a lady who's genuinely happy and content in her new surroundings--jail.

The Infamous Bathroom Remodel- October 2011

 This was a killer project.  

The aftermath of a looong night's work.

 And now, a week later--we have a tub!!

Yipee!