G's 15th Year

Being sentimental for a moment - when G was born I carefully counted the age I would be when she turned my age. It seemed that it would take a lifetime to reach that point. Now it's only a year away. From that point on we will be closer in age than the years that separate us. I've always seen that as the point where she'll truly start to grow up. Now it's not likely I will be anywhere nearby for her 16th birthday, or likely for many birthdays after. A difficult thing to swallow at times.

Naturally this resulted in yet another over planned birthday party for the girl.

 Prepping the night before - after a marathon day of Thanksgiving cooking.

(Birthday parties should not happen the day after Thanksgiving).

 Not going to lie, the pop corn cupcakes were one of my favorite features. The sign wasn't bad either.

 Snack bar.

We stuffed 10 teenagers into G's room on air mattresses and chairs with a projector and as many movies as they brought. They watched movies from about 11am until 10pm. Best birthday idea ever - while they were watching the movies you didn't even know they were there.

Granted, so they didn't all go crazy in the room and kill each other, Mom organized various crafts for them to do in between showings. 

 Referred to by one guest as the best cake ever.

 In hysterics over the game they were playing.

Success.

California Bucket List Begins

I started knocking things off my list months ago. I've made good progress. Lighthouses back in May were a big one. In August I made a trip back to the Point Bonita lighthouse as wells as an extended jaunt around the headlands. Followed by some of the SF activities I wanted to cross off.

 A reflection of what we were doing.

Jumping onto that stoop from the roof to the side was rather terrifying. I opted to exit by climbing out the lookout opening.

 Ice cream and a walk through the park.

 Be still my heart.

 Won't stop.

D & J Wed

I'm backdating, so be prepared. I've got months to catch up on. Who knew moving and a new job would wreak havoc on one's blogging.

The whole reason for the previously blogged Portland trip was for J and I to attend our cousin D's wedding.

 Beautiful Oregon.

 J and I arrived early to help set up. We brought up the guest book (the tall frame on the right) on the plane along with the table book, and picked up some other items in Portland. Our task was to set up the entry table.

 Another project of mine was to cut the vinyl lettering for the chalkboards my uncle built. Originally D asked me if we'd do the writing in chalk, but the vinyl looked crisp.

 Centerpieces with the flag labels I did.

 As my uncle walked D down the isle my aunt sang. It was amazing. Even if I could sing like that I wouldn't be able to hold it together to sing at my daughter's wedding.

 Wed.

The masterpiece

Rather than doing a traditional guest book D asked for a shadow box where everyone would write on hearts and stick them in the frame. Sister J built that frame people. I took some creative license and changed the set-up a little from what D had first requested when I designed and made the center emblem with their monogram and the date. I think it turned out fantastic. The new husband couldn't believe J had actually built it for them.

 Cousins playing lawn games.

 Mouthwatering.

 Not quite so mouthwatering to look at, but I managed to eat some.

 The Surprise

In addition to building the frame, J also made this book as a surprise. Again, I designed and painted the cover. D & J loved it. J is accepting orders ;)

It was perfect. In typical me style I booked our return flights for that evening, so we had to leave early to catch our plane. Glad and grateful to have made the trip.

And seriously - J's mad skills are available for hire, and I'll throw my mark on it as well, just because she is a nice enough sister to let me.

Portland and Fall

It was strange to go from summer heat in CA to OR and have it feel like Fall had arrived overnight. Before dinner J and I took a walk out to the Columbia River and enjoyed the views. Had me craving sweaters and cups of tea.