The day after

Well, it was a GREAT party. G.R.E.A.T. I haven't had that much fun since... I can't remember when. There was plenty of food. Of the over 100 hot dogs we cooked, only a few shriveled weiners were left (it seems alot of people like weiners without buns, because there were more buns left over than weiners - go figure). I thought I'd run out of chips, but so many people brought chips that I think we had more AFTER the party than we did before. We could have used a bit more pop - I guess I thought "BYOB" meant that people would bring along enough beverages (including non-alcoholic), but we ran a little low.

The fireworks display was a BIG hit. Quite impressive for a backyard party, I'd say. Marcel and Julie got positively giddy when we went to the fireworks store to stock up. Those two are turning into pyrotechnic addicts!

Lots of people showed up. Our best estimate is around 75 people. It turns out that alot of people like us. :-) (Or at least we know alot of people that like to party.) I think there was someone there representing nearly every factor of our lives - family, extended families, work, church, school, neighbourhood, kids' soccer, childhood friends, old workplaces. Wow! What a rush to see so many people gathered who are there because they like you and feel connected to you. Wish you ALL could have been there too!

The weather was awesome - a little cool, but not as cool as we'd feared. There was a great fire in the firepit that warmed up anyone who got cool. The kids had a great time playing soccer and running around in the grass. Every time I looked around, there were lots of great conversations going on, people were laughing and having fun, and nobody really looked left out (at least I HOPE nobody did). People from different parts of our lives were connecting with each other and striking up new friendships. At least one dinner party will result from one of those new friendships, and apparently other phone numbers were exchanged.

Stopping in the middle of the crowd, I looked around and was both humbled and honoured by all the people who had gathered to show us their love and support. There's something about being in the middle of a crowd of about 75 people who are all connected to you that makes you feel strong - like you can accomplish great things with so many people on your side.

Oh, and we got great loot too. We now have a well-stocked wine cabinet, gift certificates for a few meals out, a night at the movies, cash, and an assortment of other things. Marcel got the iPod he's been longing for from me and his siblings.

And the pièce de resistance? I GET TO GO SKYDIVING! I guess Marcel's not TOO worried about me jumping out of a plane, 'cause he bought me a gift certificate! :-)

So today I'm basking in the glow of a great party, lots of friends, and a night of good conversation and lots of great moments. Sorry I have no pictures to share - I was too busy talking to old friends, keeping the chip bowls stocked, introducing people to each other, hugging people, welcoming newcomers, etc., etc., to think about taking pictures. I didn't even take the time to eat one of those hotdogs. And today, they just don't look as appetizing anymore.