Wednesday, May 18, 2016

More May....a Grad Party, Mother's Day, a birthday....and..and...and....

Between the two build weekends we had Mother's Day Sunday where we also incorporated a Graduation party for Ashley and Denny's birthday....wow, a busy fun family day. After 12 of us attended church in Palmetto and 5 more in Marietta we all met at Deb's house for swimming, partying, and lunch. The Mother's were kind enough this year to let Ash pick "all her favorites" for the menu....even sweet Cindy that was celebrating her 1st Mother's Day.
Our menu was ham/green bean casserole/homemade mashed potatoes/several appetizer sides and chocolate fondue for dessert...YUM. Dave added his yummy brussel sprouts and it was a wonderful meal.
Then it was time for some graduation gifts....one thing we gave her was a picture on canvas of her favorite Casey Key Beach jetty....maybe it will find a place on her dorm room wall...



 Her aunts and uncles gave her a 3 piece luggage set.....


Her cousins gave her a Yeti (complete with her initials), a docking station/alarm clock for her iphone and some extra $$$ to add to her college fund....Muma gave her $$$.....she was ready to go...North Georgia College, here she comes.


Next all the Mom's got to open gifts and then Uncle Denny opened his....He'd already gotten his Keurig from me, it was back at home....these were cards and things from all the others. He was enjoying holding Gwyn...the little girls are so sweet.....


Next up fondue and cupcakes.....can u tell we all liked it???


This was Dylan's first fondue...he was getting instructions from the pro!!!


His marshmallows kept falling off, but it was fun...


What a great family day....there are so many of us, and we don't all live in ATL anymore so there are not many times we ALL get together...in fact, this time we were missing Des and Quinton...so we didn't make it this time either, maybe soon. We missed you guys!! 

Hope the Mother's enjoyed their day....Happy Graduation Ash 
and Happy Birthday Denny !!!






Monday, May 16, 2016

MAY......oh my...started with an Eagle Scout Project

April was such a nice quiet month, we had several dinners with friends...my Mom came to town and we had a great time. We went to see Mama Mia, it was wonderful. We shopped, beached, cooked...we just had fun, we always do. Then friend Karen came for 3 nights, more fun and chill time.
But then May came....with a bang. We headed to ATL, with our skates on. Our first task was to help with nephew Chad's Eagle Scout build project. He'd had a wonderful 3rd grade teacher and he wanted to do something for her and the school....she wanted a stage for an outdoor classroom.....wow.

His initial plan....it changed a little from this, but is very close....



The planning and prep had been going on for weeks, now it was time to build. Denny and I signed up to provide and serve breakfast and jointly provide and serve lunch. To make sure we were on the northside in time we spent the nite with Brad and Cindy and Ella.

Took us a while to load up...but we were finally on the road...





We met up with The Perez family for dinner at the fav Taxco Mexican.....we had such a great time...the little twin girls love their cheese dip and guac...



It was so nice to be able to spend the evening with Nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews....I must be geting old. 
We headed back home and to bed, Satuday we were up early and headed to Chick-fil-A to get some chicken minis and coffee and head to the build. 

We arrived to folks already moving and shaking....it was great to see so much going on and so many folks there to support Chad and his project. He'd had some wonderful financial support, Lowe's gave him some nice discounts and now folks were coming to help....it was going great.
For May in the south it was very cool starting out....but was a great build day.


Had to dig holes for supports.....


Our fearless project leader...Chad



Denny and I hung over by the sign-in sheet and the food. We had to grill burgers and hotdogs so we kept busy too....

 Brad and Chad were getting the concrete ready.........


Uncle Brandon offered a hand for a while...


Several Scouts showed support...


Setting the posts.....

Starting to lay the framing for the stage decking....

Gwyn/Vivi and Dylan stopped by ....Dylan was very curious...Grandma Debbie was explaining
 Framing is looking good........




And the day ended looking awesome....


The first Saturday build was the day before Mother's Day.....in a different post I'll show the Mother's Day/Ashley Gradutaion and Denny's birthday Day...all wrapped up in one, really busy fun day....

But for now...back to the build....1 week later......

This Saturday, we were not handling breakfast (Shea and Britt were) so didn't have to get up sooooo early, but we were grilling again....so we got there around 1130....lots was happening....





 The decking was going great....but it was getting late...we'll be back on Sunday after church..



Sunday..... it was time to work on the handicap ramp....




This goat wiring makes great "walls" so no one falls off the ramp...

 Not so many folks showed up today, mostly family, but we're a willing group....


Dualing electric screw guns.....


Building the "wall" that will hold the dry erase board.....


Time to start the clean up....Mom and Denny were rocking it!!



Scott was our main contractor....awesome and super nice guy...time to stop for the day.


Looks amazing....some trees had to be cleared for this stage...but they left one stump which will be a podium...very clever....it's to the left of the stage....cool.



Need one small step on either end of the stage, and 2 small benches on either side of the board...and it will be all done...


Whew...done for the day...project almost complete...one tired but happy scout....



It will get completely finished very soon...not much to go.....well done Chad....well done.

Thankfully the weather held out and the project was finished as scheduled on Thurs eve..


Love the added benches and steps.....


Awesome project and undertaking Chad....you can be very proud.
Last thing, Scout sign-off and THE plaque.....