Weekend Celebrations

I hope you had a enjoyable long weekend. I did. If you have read my blog, you know that my oldest "baby" graduated from high school last Thursday. It was a very exciting time for Bama, as for us, his parents as well as his siblings. Friday morning Bama started a new job, he is working for a neighborhood pool for the summer. "A dream job", says Bama. In code that means getting paid to check out cute girls in swim suits. Blogger Bama Belle is who he reports into daily and also who told him about and interviewed him for the job. He continues to work his pizza job, albeit temporarily. He put in his two week notice because he could get more hours at his pool job. Saturday night Big Daddy and I, along with Big Daddy's twin brother, "the artist" and his wife, Mida attended a surprise party of an old school friend, Jeff. Jeff and all of us (with the exception of my sister in law) attended school together since the age of 12. After graduation from high school Big Daddy and he roomed together in college at Auburn.

It had been about 6 or 7 years since we had last seen Jeff and his wife, Mindan.

Jeff lives in San Diego and works as a scientist so his schedule is very busy, not allowing him much time to come "home". We were so happy to hear that Mindan was planing a surprise party for Jeff for his birthday here so we could visit with them. The surprise was on us though, we arrived early at the home in wait but didn't expect Jeff to enter the house by way of a back door so it was he who surprised us! It was wonderful to be able to catch up with Jeff and his family as well as another old school mate from elementary school, Lee, who we all adore. It was a night filled with laughter and remunising down memory lane. From the stories, I left wondering how these four great men escaped a stint in prison (LOL, oh, I kid to that extent) and turned out to be such wonderful men, fathers and exceptional and responsible beings. I love a happy ending!

I left the party with some fabulous recipes. Honestly, the food was some of the best I have ever tasted. Jeff's family is Greek, which happens to be one of my most preferred foods. I have already posted one of the dishes on my recipe blog, Plates and Places. The recipe is for Greek Marinated Shrimp. I plan to make this while at the beach. It's a perfect dish to throw into a cooler and enjoy beachside with a cold drink.
On Sunday we took the family to Oak Mountain State Park, where we again met my brother in law and his family.

We fished but didn't catch anything.

We also brought J Smooth's bike. He wanted to take to the BMX bike track. I will share more pictures of our day on Outdoor Wednesday.

I hope you have a great Memorial Day. I cannot help but think of those that have fought for this country, my relatives who have served, friends who are serving, and strangers who are honorable and enlist in the service for this country, for our rights, and for all of us who are lucky enough to call America home. I swell with pride. And I remember.
Sincere Thanks to those that have served and continue to serve. It is because of you, that I am able to enjoy the freedoms and the life that I have.
I hope you are able to enjoy the day with loved ones! I will be dropping by your blog, be sure to leave me a roadmap!