Saturday, November 26, 2005

The Princess and her Prince Charming

Let's go back to the beginning. John and I got married on Halloween weekend. I originally had the idea to have a masquerade wedding. Visions of a huge ballroom with crystal chandeliers... me in a white gown encrusted with jewels... guests dancing late into the night in ballroom gowns and masks. So, apparently that's not easy to accomplish. We threw the costume wedding idea out the window early on and ended up putting on what turned out to be a really great wedding/ceremony. (If we do say so ourselves...) But I never fully gave up on the image.

When John and my mom started asking what I had in mind for my thirtieth, I started to allow the images to float around in my head again, realizing that there wasn't really enough time to do all that. But, the idea of having a medieval dinner sounded pretty cool, not to mention it would be a good kickoff for the holiday season. Linda and John had a dinner at their house a few years ago and had some connections for jugglers, caterers, etc. I knew I wanted to see if Greystone Hall was available, because I wanted to have our wedding there, but it wasn't completely restored yet. We made the call to Greystone, but the Saturday we wanted was not available. At some point in the conversation, somehow the question got asked: "What is happening in the ballroom that night?" Turns out, they were sponsoring their own Madrigal Dinner that night. So, long story... long, we decided to buy out half the tickets and come in costume to their event.

Knights and Men in Tights

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Humperdink, Humperdink, HUMPERDINK!

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My dad came downstairs at his house dressed to leave for the party. Our kids were there with the babysitter (thanks, Laura!) observing all the comings and goings of the evening.

Maddie: "Grandpa, I know who you are!"
Grandpa Ken: "Who, Maddie?"
Maddie: "Remember the movie with the princess and the farm boy? You're Humperdink!" (The Princess Bride)

Saturday, November 12, 2005

The VIPs!


VIP day at school was yesterday. Thursday night, Grandma Dot picked up Chelsea and Cameron after school and they took the long drive in. Friday morning, Liam took buddy Cameron into class. Maddie had tea with cousin Chelsea and Isabella introduced Grandma Dot to everyone in the entire school. A great time was had by all.

The school made nice arrangements for each child to have a VIP in class with them. The VIP had the opportunity to see the way the class works and what the kids do at school. The kids also made a tote bag for each of their VIPs. They turned out really darling.

We took Cameron out for his birthday (he turns 7 next week) last night. He had never been to a Japanese Tapan restaurant (where they cook the food hibachi-style in front of you). His expression was worth every penny. We sat right by a full wall of fish tanks, so the kids were in heaven. After a relaxing breakfast and lunch and some outside playtime, Chelsea, Cameron and Grandma headed back home. It will take our kids a few days to recover from the withdrawal, but we all agree it was better to have them come and then miss them than not have them come at all...

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Weekend post

I must apologize for my lack of posting. Apparently my wit was fueled by either caffeine or alcohol. I'll let you know which once I narrow it down. So, although I am no longer funny, on the bright side, I've developed a taste for eggs over easy, which I could never tolerate before, but can't get enough of now. And the occasional Steak and Shake burger. Seriously - you must try. Fresh romaine lettuce, a freshly toasted bun... this is the best burger you can get without getting out of the car. Hands-down.

The kids have their VIP day next Friday at school. They can bring a "special guest" into the classroom. Cousin Chelsea and best bud Cameron have the day off school, so VIP Grandma Dot is bringing them into town for the event. There is a major countdown in progress for the moment they get their rooms and their lives ready for their friends to visit. Liam will take Cameron, Maddie will take Chelsea, and Isabella will take Grandma Dot into their classrooms. I can't wait to see what they have planned for the VIPs!