20

Count 'em.

Twenty.





Today we had what will most likely be our last summer party in our backyard. We celebrated two birthdays - Gordon's and Makiah's. Twenty of us. Lots of food, lots of water, lots of fun.

Andrew and Tom square off in a game of ping pong while Ruth and Josie join others on the patio.

Five girls celebrated the entire party in wet swim suits.

Everyone's cup looked exactly the same, so a felt marker distinguished whose was whose.

A festive birthday banner adorned the back patio.

Another one decorated the bamboo blinds.

Vance was the youngest guest at the party.

Makiah was the youngest birthday girl at the party.

The burgers were already grilled and staying warm while the sausage and hot dogs took their turn over the flame.

Gordon was the youngest birthday boy at the party.

Ruth's tossed salad complemented the grilled meat . . .

. . . as did Debra's sauteed mushrooms . . .

The finished cheeseburgers were either Swiss or cheddar.

The grilled sausages and hot dogs provided a tasty meat option.

Debra's beans also complemented the barbecued meat.

Becky's fruit salad was creatively presented in her hand-carved watermelon bowl.

Debra's red potato salad rounded out the meal.

A direct quote from Makiah: "I like Dora".

Josie's homemade birthday cake and her birthday cupcake display went well with a side of vanilla ice cream.

Makiah, surrounded by party people, opens her gifts.

Josie holds Makiah while the crowd sings "Happy Birthday to You".

Makiah, only two years old, blows out three candles.