8th Annual Friend's Thanksgiving

On Sunday the 20th, we had our 8th Annual Friend's Thanksgiving. This is one of my absolute favorite traditions, and as each year passes and we add more babies and the decibel level gets increasing louder, it becomes even more special. This year the McLaughlins were the hosts and 16 adults and 13 children filled their home. The food was delicious as always and the company was even better! Love you guys!

We were so thankful that the rain stopped and we could play and visit outside!

That's a 23 pound bird!

Wes couldn't get enough of this meal, he ate his whole plate and then when I sat down he ate half of mine too! I can't blame him though.

We're going to need a bigger kids table next year.

Such a great evening!

I made these little Mayflower boats as a centerpiece/favor for the kids. I saw the idea in the Pottery Barn catalog and figured they would be easy to make. Fortunately for me, several other people in cyberspace decided they would be easy to make too. So with the pattern and a little tutorial from their blogs, I was half way there. Michael helped me cut out the felt and I sewed them up on my machine and they were done in no time. I love that there are other people out there who love Pottery Barn but find a way do it for a little cheaper!
Here is the blog I used and a few others my friend's found:

http://mycottoncreations.blogspot.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-kids-table-ideas-and-free.html

http://iheartmylittlesweetpea.blogspot.com/2010/11/mayflower-ships.html

http://thepinkpeonyoflejardin.blogspot.com/2010/11/sail-away-pottery-barn.html

I will leave you with a few pictures from the first Friend's Thanksgiving: November 2003!

(notice the complete lack of a children's table! We have no idea what's in store for us!!)

Happy 1st Birthday Cash!

Wesley's cousin Cash turned one last week and we celebrated his birthday on Saturday! I can't believe how big these guys are getting!

It's so fun to have lots of cousins!

Cash's party had a golf theme!

But he wanted nothing to do with his cake!

Wes had been wating a balloon since we arrived but then wanted it off the second we put it on his wrist!

Happy Birthday buddy, we love you!

Really?!?

Is this a normal activity for a 16 month old?

Auntie Madison's Wedding- Wedding and Reception

Since Michael and I were both in the wedding and I didn't have the forethought to give my camera to someone to take pictures for me, I don't have any shots of the ceremony or of Wesley walking down the aisle. By the way, he made it all the way down the aisle carrying his ring bearer pillow! I was bummed that from where I was standing I couldn't see him, but everyone told me he was just adorable and did an excellent job!

Three generations of Meacham men.


Brother and Sister


Us and Grandma Susie



As their wedding favor, Nathan and Madison had a photo booth at the reception and sent everyone home with a beautiful frame for their photo. Such a fun gift!

The Meacham's, The Petralia's and The Sanicola's!

Congratulations Auntie Madison and Uncle Nathan! We loved being a part of your wedding and wish you so many blessing as you begin your life together. We love you!

Auntie Madison's Wedding - Wedding Day! (Prep and Pics)

Sunday morning all the bridesmaids met in Madison's room to have our hair done and get ready. Then we took lots of great girl pictures before the ceremony. Such a fun and exciting morning of wedding preparations!

All ready!

We headed to the pool to take some fun shots!

I had the bartender at the pool take some pictures for me!

And here's Wes is his suit. Without the jacket he looks like a perfect "blues brother"!

Auntie Madison's Wedding - Saturday Night

On Saturday afternoon, everyone got together for the wedding rehearsal and a delicious Italian dinner hosted by the Petralia family.

Wes and Grandma Susie

Nathan and Madison chose the Riviera Resort for their wedding because they love it's retro/Rat Pack vibe. I figured nothing could be more perfectly suited to that theme than Wesley in a fedora! (it was really tough to find a toddler sized fedora, but when you see the pictures of him in it with his suit on you will agree with me that it was worth it!)

I love wedding rehearsals! It's like, holy cow this is going to happen!!

Auntie Caitlin and Maid of Honor

Wes practicing with his ring bearer pillow!

The rehearsal dinner was at Johnny Costa's Ristorante. The lasagna was amazing!

Speech, speech!!

This was our beautiful bride's maid gift! Pearls and a handmade flower for our hair for the wedding day. I love the martini glass idea, perfectly retro!

Auntie Madison's Wedding - Friday and Saturday Morning

We had such a great time in Palm Springs sharing in Auntie Madison and Uncle Nathan's wedding weekend! What a blessing it was to see two people we love begin their lives together! Here are pictures from the trip:

We drove out to Palm Springs on Friday afternoon. The guys had a bachelor day beginning with golf in the morning and dinner that night. And the girls got together for a delicious Mexican dinner and margaritas (unfortunately no pictures from Friday).

Then Saturday morning Wes and I played at the playground at the time share...

...then we headed to the pool! The weather was absolutely beautiful, high 70's with a slight breeze.



We were so thankful Grandma came with us to help watch Wes, so Mike and I could do our bridesmaid's and groomsman's duties properly (plus enjoy ourselves a little too!) Thank you so much Grandma!

Taking a few turns around the lazy river.

Wes practicing his jumps.

And just chilling with Daddy.

Next post: Rehearsal and Rehearsal dinner

Wesley's First Haircut!

Wesley's Auntie Madison is getting married this Sunday, and Wesley is the ring bearer in the wedding! So we figured it was time to trim up the few locks that he has and get him his first hair cut!

We took him to First Cuts in Corona del Mar...

...where they have these awesome little airplanes to sit in!

(it's hard to tell, but this is the before picture)

And here's the after picture! Such a handsome little man.

Mike did say that we're not cutting his hair for a while after this because he just looks so much older. Where did our little baby go?!?!