The Bragging Rights of an Aunt

I here by decree that all aunts are allowed to brag about their nieces and nephews!

My nieces and nephews are the cutest in the world and here are a few pictures as proof.

I still need more picture, but I think this is a good start to establish the truth that my nieces and nephews are the cutest in the world!

Party Palace's Halloween Party

So we, Cat and I, got into our silly heads the idea that we wanted to be Jane Austen characters for Halloween. I've always wanted a Regency style dress and Halloween was the perfect opportunity to make one...so it began...and well...it was not as bad as it could have been and not a good as it could be, but we survived and enjoyed the reaction of the people when they saw the finished product and their disbelief when we told them that we made them ourselves. I felt like a princess all night (I am a CHEESY GIRL! I know!) I couldn't decided which picture I like best so I posted a lot of them. Mel was lucky, she already had a dress that worked perfectly. So here we are...Lizzy Bennett, Marianne Dashwood and Emma Woodhouse.

This is what the back of my hair looked like. Mel did a great job. I never get to see the back of my hair when I do an up-do, but it doesn't look half bad. I love the ribbon she weaved into my hair.

I think this is the one I like the best of me, however you can't see much of my dress...which I'm trying to show off, so that's why I had to post the other ones too.

___

Now that I've shown us off enough....on to the rest of the party. The Party Palace's Halloween Party is an happening event and every well attended. I had an enjoyable time. Poor Tim was running around like a Chicken with his Head cut off making sure the food supply was never too low. Here are a few of my friends sporting their costumes

Brian Kendell - as Electric Shock
Slade - as Count Blue, Master of Ceremonies
Nathaniel, Christian, John - I will have to ask Mel who they were supposed to be since she knows and I don't...
Scott - He's part of the group above, but I didn't manage to get him pictured with the rest.

Tim - he had a small spelunking accident

My Roommate Amber and her boyfriend Corry - Half Ghost and Shandra Dee

My Friend Annie - The UN - you can't see it up her shirt says UN and she has several Countries flags around her.
Children of the 80's if you don't know who Darin is supposed to be I will be very disappointed in you and for those of you who weren't watching cartoons in the 80's this is Papa Smurf.

Because I'm a proud aunt and because I can, I've uploaded the few pictures Elisabeth sent me of Grant and I'm going to show off my nephew for a few seconds.

He's a cute one...although not looking too happy in this picture.

Elisabeth said that Grant's an eater and this open mouth gives you and indication of what she means. He's ready for some FOOD! Elisabeth doesn't look like she just gave birth, does she?
Aren't they the most adorable little family!
Ready to go home.

My Nephew has a name now :)

I called my sister Elisabeth today, and she's home now and they have chosen a name.....drum roll....Grant William Smith. I like it a lot! Grant was one of the names on my list when Elisabeth asked me about 3 months ago what names I liked. Not that is the reason they chose it.

I'm an Auntie again!

My sister Elisabeth had her baby last night, Oct 16, 2007, at about 11pm. He's 6 lb 11 oz and 19 inches long. Elisabeth and Cameron haven't pick a name yet, but she said that he's a happy and healthy boy. I'm so excited! I wish I lived a little closer so that I could see them all.

Ward Retreat

Oct 12th,

7:30pm - Pick up Melanie

7:40pm - Shoot...there's still traffic on 495

8:45pm - arrive at Greentop Camp grounds

Let the Festivities begin!

Upon arrival they signed us in and then gave us our kaper duties and cabin assignments.

Jane Helping to check everyone in:

Shortly there after they started a bonfire. It was so much fun! S'mores, fire and friends!

Some Fabulous pictures from the bonfire
Christine, Freda, and Sara

John and Me
Steve, Mel and Me
Wow...hmmm. I love that face Steve!
Annie lost something....Why she needs sunglasses I don't know :P


Melanie is guarding the s'more makings....tough job, but someone's gotta to do it!
Emma and Jennie, two the of the cutest girls at the camp out...but if they tell anyone I said that I will deny it :)
Steve, Rich and Emma...


Kendra...looking lovely as usual!
Bronwyn, Rachel and Darin (we'll forgive Darin for his hoodie (hehehe sorry Darin...I had to say something :P))
The pictures don't do justice to the fact that it was a little cold that night, so many people froze. I was lucky. I had a few huge blankets and wore socks, a beanie and a sweater. I made a nice cocoon and stayed nice and toasty...that is until I had to get out of bed.... Reed and Brian found a unique way to stave off the cold...lucky for them I had my tent in my car. Yes...that is a tent set up inside the cabin :)

The next day we had breakfast, followed by a morningside with Brother Toma.

The Few. The Proud. The Homework Doers! Mel and Robbie had homework due...and instead of just staying home they were diligent enough to come and have fun AND do homework. Amazing really!

Kitchen Duty!
Go Emma, Go Emma...it's your birthday!...in about 5 months.


Awake yet Steve? Didn't sleep well?


Food Line!
They look hungry don't they?


After our lesson with Brother Toma we has small classes on various topics. I choice the photography class with Tiana, who is an amazing photographer by the way. These are few pictures from our photography attempts

It was a grand adventure! The camp grounds were beautiful. In all honesty it was an odd mix of a young adult activity, girls camp and EFY, but loads of Fun!