Better late than never. Last weekend was very busy... I got tired just reading about it. (ha!) We just got a few pictures today, so I now I have some to share, too. (I'm also supposed to get a few more, so I will hopefully add more later.)
Friday night Jack, Jake and I went to church to prepare the meat for the barbecue. Jack had purchased 130 pounds of meat - 6 whole briskets and 3 whole pork shoulders. We were joined by Brent, Bonnie and Barb. Brent watched Jack work for a bit and then offered to help. The ladies and I got the rub on and meat wrapped and put back into the fridge. It proved the saying, many hands make quick work. What a blessing! I had plans with friends, so left at 8:15, but the work was done and they did a bit of cleaning up.
My friend, Katie, turned 25 last weekend and we make a point of getting together and celebrating. The birthday girl gets to choose where we go and what we do. We all met at Katie's house and were joined by Sarah, our OT, (that is currently on maternity leave) and Marena, our Speech Therapist. This was Sarah first girls night since baby Olivia made her debut, which made it extra special for her. Katie loves country music and wanted to go dancing. We arrived at Kanza Hall and didn't waste any time getting our dance moves going. We did a few line dances and I found one particularly fun - although I never learned the name of it. We had so much fun and enjoyed people watching. This place had it all, from 21 year old's celebrating their birthdays to a couple in their 80's celebrating life and everything in between. Lots of fun but definitely not a place Jack would like. We didn't close the bar, but it was close.
Saturday morning we all slept in. It was a COLD, low key day until it was time to pack up with truck and get the BBQ started. Jack and Jake didn't waste any time getting the smokers going and the pork was on before I arrived. We have made a tradition of having a bring your own meat and side to share picnic. Jack grills the meat to order and everyone raved it was exactly how they like it. After our last pot luck dinner at church it was decided there weren't enough desserts, so let me just say there was no shortage of dessert. :-) I again had to leave before the party was over but was happy to see friends enjoying their evening with my boys.
Ready to unload and get started.
4 smokers and 1 grill.
Pre-BBQ pot luck dinner
Unlike our last get-together, there were LOTs of desserts.
A great group!
I had another night out planned for me. Aunt Sue and I went out with Lauren and her friends to celebrate her BFF, Brittany's 21st birthday. We started at the Pizza Bar, then went to PBR (a country bar) and watched Brit ride the bull. She stayed on longer than I would have. I danced a little. We went to one other place... (I squished up my face just thinking about it). I don't remember what it was called. It was LOUD. And crowded. Sue and I didn't stay long. (When I told Katie this morning where we went, she shook her head and laughed and told me I really need to check with her before going into any more bars down in Power and Light. Lol!) I've learned my lesson. Sue and I went to Harrah's casino for a couple hours of sensory overload; sight, sound and smell - flashing lights, noise and smoke (ugh). We didn't win big but we had fun. As we were driving back to their hotel, Sue got a call saying CJ (Lauren's fiance) had gotten hurt and needed to go to the hospital. :-( They waited for Sue. I dropped her off and went home, I had to be up early or I would have gone along. (As it turned out CJ has a fractured elbow. He has to go back tomorrow and get it checked. I hope and pray it heals quickly and without surgery required.)
<-- Sue and I
Birthday girl, Brittany and Lauren -->
Jack and Jake also had a late night but they were joined by Greg and Barb who stayed around and played Euchre. Jake and Barb had never played but somehow got teamed up and smoked Jack and Greg.
Two late nights in a row were not good planning on my part. Suzy was up before six. Jack and Jake spent the night at the church so I had to get up. :-( I went back to bed but couldn't sleep. I was at the church by 8:00 a.m. and I didn't sit down until I ate lunch around 12:30. Turn out was good, not great. I think we counted about 75 give or take a few. Several years ago we had over 125. Everyone raved over the food. And the music from "The Burnt Ends" was very enjoyable. Even the band enjoys this gig because they get to eat, too!
Jack and Brent pullin' pork!
And getting the brisket and burnt ends ready...
Since the youth were helping,
they got to eat first.
The Burnt Ends (part of them)
During the introduction.
Danny, Jake and Andrew working clean up.
We got home and all took a nap. Annie came home by 4:00. She had a terrific weekend in Chicago. The concert was "perfect!" I also heard her say amazing and awesome. They got there early enough to get wristbands that allowed them on the floor. Mr. Broyhill sat close and "could always see us" which made me laugh. She met some neat girls and had fun chatting with them while they waited. Saturday, Mr. Broyhill took the girls downtown for a bit of shopping, sightseeing at the Willis Tower and good food. And early Sunday morning Mrs. Brewer picked them up for a very quiet ride home. Annie slept a little, watched a movie, read and listened to music. Who was most excited to have Annie home? I would have to say Jake. He was watching and waiting for her and the first one outside when they pulled in. How sweet is that?
Arden, Grace and Annie
before the concert.
We all went to bed early and slept well. I was thankful to have everyone home, safe and sound.
xo
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