Memorial Day Celebration

 Our 3^rd Memorial Day Weekend Extravaganza came to a close as a success! The best year thus far and I am convinced that as we get older life simply is cherished more. Thank you Lord, I know it is none of my doing. But blessed and thankful for the ones that sprinkle our lives with happiness and love.

The day began with a quick run and stretch of the legs down La Jara with Kristen.  The guys woke up to play golf and the girls headed to the Liberty Bar’s brunch. Then it was time to get to work (and I put everyone else to it also)!  I am the oldest of three children and I claim this as my excuse to be bossy. I’m truly going to work on this number—I realize it is not becoming.

The decor before the party. Less is more on this one but I really loved the way everything came together.

The tablecloth was my favorite piece of flair for the party. With a dear friend, Jessica Montoya, I had my first sewing experiment and lesson. I have decided that in the very near future this is going to become one of my top tier hobbies. I bought 15 bandannas from Hobby Lobby and we pulled it together somehow someway. Truly, the hum of the sewing machine I found to be therapeutic and peaceful. Who knew, not me.

We had tissue pom poms, thumb print cookies from none other than Abilene’s finest --Snow White Bakery, half a yard of green grass, breezy weather, cooling beverages, and a flurry of guests

And we made koozies this year! They were a hit and turned out very cute! I use them now with my Diet Cokes.

Now my favorite pom poms I forgot to take pictures of before the party! They were red white and blue and mini's.

The set up crew! What help the girls were and I was so glad to have them unfolding pom poms, helping me clean, and getting things ready to go.  

 

 Getting ready for the party and taking time to enjoy the front porch with the flags.

 We sampled the mojitos and they were delicious! Matthew made the first batch for us.

Kristen, my college roommate, fun friend, Australian adventuress, and someone I can always count on.

 David Poole. One of my favorite people! He was sporting the decor from his koozie (btw he was not yelled at for getting off the top of the pyramid! Maybe just a little.)

 
Kristen doing her jumps! Kim bought Memorial Day Decor and we were being silly in the kitchen with it. I think Kristen might have directed airline traffic all night.

Monica and Dan. The most in love couple I've ever been around. Precious. She made the second batch of mojitos!



Koby and Sara West and sweet baby Charlotte. What a beautiful family they are! I'm so happy to witness Sara in her role as a Momma!



We had several games of washers and I'm assuming the boys are judging which one was the closest. I don't know how many games were played throughout the weekend but there was lots of "clinking".


Team LJ.



The Megan's! Megan Downs and Perkins; sweet West Texas girls.
 


The Downs children; adorable. They loved Laney's roller coaster.



Matthew was busy cooking. He is such a grilling man and loves serving others. The jalapeno poppers, fajitas, and chicken and shrimp diablo's were delicious and spicy. Matthew was such a good host.

I "chip chapped" the night away with friends. Chip Chapping is what Laney calls chit chatting.


Yes, more washers.


The party throughout the evening in a flurry of pictures....

 Kristen and her light saber.

 The boys and their stories.

 A quick pic of us.

 The Midland and college crew.

 Mahncke Parkers.

 The girls of Carnahan, Allensworth, and Ira. I aspire to be a MParker. 

 Alright. This was ridiculous but a game of flip cup happened. Games. And I think one side might have been complaining about the edge being off and this is why they were losing. Matthew went to find his saw. Mike Perkins joined in. And Dan, yes he was in the military, finished the job. We fought over the plywood board coming out anytime before 10 pm. It was exactly 10 pm.

 Winding down the wee hours of the morning with Koby West.

Truly, our closest friends, from back in the days of youth and our neck of the woods now, attended a memorable evening at the Crowell house. How happy my heart feels. Happy to be in a place that I love and feel loved. Thankfully we have Memorial Day to celebrate from all of the brave men and women that have sacrificed and given their honor so that we may live in the greatest nation and experience liberty to the fullest.