Big Family Party

Okay~ I figure if I take one thing at a time, I may be able to bring you all up to speed on the roller coaster ride that is my life

This has been a big year for the B family. As I mentioned in January, my mother & step-dad marked the 40th anniversary of their marriage; it was a non-event, not even a dinner out. Within the next 10 weeks, they each reached their 70th birthdays; another a non-event for the masters of denial (Mother will still only admit to being "near 50"- & she has three adult grandchildren ) Of course, you remember that in July, their oldest child, my brother D, married his lovely bride W, in Whistler, British Colombia attended by immediate family & a few friends. And then in September, their youngest child, my "baby" brother B, passed his 30th birthday & entered adulthood (at least by this family's standards) by moving out on his own.

My sister, H, has been here from Kauai since September, working "the harvests" up north to earn money to live on for the next couple of years. She was heading back December 1st, so our parents decided it was time to celebrate the "Big Year" & threw a big party. It was an Open House, that lasted more then 8 hours; people I haven't seen in years wandered through, sharing stories, pictures, & lots of wine.

Celebration Cake- Lemon, Carrot Cake, Chocolate, & Raspberry

Mother & M congratulate each other for no felony convictions

Setting out the spread (Salmon, Veggie & Humus, Antipasta, Bruchetta, Pasta Salad)

Sushi Selections

Sister H, Mother, Aunt E, & honorary auntie G

Yes, it is really me

My Guys, making plans

It's pretty late at this point- we're all looking stunned

The B Family Kids: L to R- David, Wendy, Ben, Holly, Angie (Ben's GF) & Big Sis meg

And finally, the view caught on the way home