Backyard Birthday

Yesterday, we had some friends over to celebrate my birthday. It was so good to see friends and actually goof around on the weekend instead of rushing around playing catchup so I'm organized for the next week.

(Above) Charlie and Heather with young Melanie prepare for a rousing game of Corn Hole. Anyone familiar with this game? It's basically horsehoes of the lowcountry. It's great for parties because you can throw bean bags with one arm while babysitting your drink in the other.

Corinne tried to devise her own version of the game, though. I do appreciate everyone's patience as she scampered from hole to hole stealing bean bags. Does she look like she's on a mission here or what?

Shawn and Roman watch as Corinne prepares to destroy another game.

She still doesn't understand that the object is to leave the bags IN the hole.

Corinne got to see some of her usual buddies as well as meet new ones. Thanks to everyone for coming and celebrating with us! Julie, Leigh Ann, Callie (on the scooter), Jennifer and her husband, Mike, and little Charlie make themselves at home in the yard.

Julie and Callie catching up on Callie's busy day.

The gathering also celebrated Baluha's birthday (the day before mine)...Dave is seated at the table. He brought his infamous garlic mashed potatoes. Dave is also Chloe's boyfriend. He is always gracious enough to watch the furries when we head out on a road trip.

Charlotte walked over with her sister, Melanie, and mom, Anna. They live right around the corner. I just loved watching her figure out that ball!
Corinne enjoyed wearing--I mean, eating--some of Julie's chocolate cupcakes. Julie later confessed to allowing Corinne to lick the icing from the spatula. (Notice her hands as well as her face!) This was definitely the highlight of her evening.

Ed smoked some BBQ for the occasion. It was juicy and delicious! Ed is becoming quite the master smoker! Verbatim here: Great. Take her picture now so I look like a super Dad. :-) Sorry, Ed, I couldn't resist.

Roman and I pushed the parental curfew to hours we hadn't seen since Corinne was an infant. It felt great, though to be around so many friends. Naturally, Corinne didn't get the message that everyone was sleeping in Sunday morning. Oh, well.

Have a great work week!