I'm pleased to announce the shower went well. Yes, Legomen, the shower shared by two girls was a hit! *G*
My oldest sis came over about 1:30 on Saturday and set up tables while I worked on some of the food. Between us we offered a balanced meal, and told everyone who came that it would be "Pot Luck." It seems that my family would be entirely happy to have appetizers and dessert!
The invitaions were for 6:30 and most of the family had arrived by 7:00 when we sat down to eat. Needless to say there was too much food. Isn't that always the way it is at this type of gathering? We offered sausage and green peppers, ham, funeral potatoes, green beans, carrots, bread, all sorts of pickles and olives, a tostada casserole, and Caesar salad. One of my nieces manages a bake shop for a major grocery store chain, and she made a cake and a fruit tart for dessert, and there was a fruit tray.
And there were several layered taco dips, a shrimp and salad dip, and spinach dip....all with assorted crackers and scoopers.
It was wonderful to have the chance to chat with everyone. I made a point of collecting hugs on the way in and again on the way out. The children were few in number, but we had a five month old, a three year old, a four year old, and an eight year old with us....and they kept us entertained.
The girls were both registered at Target, and there were gifts galore! We bought the bedroom furniture for our new granddaughter, and I shopped for cute clothes for both of the new babies. My niece asked for an instant read thermometer that sounded like a great idea. This is her second baby, so she had clear ideas on what she would need this time. I encouraged my step-daughter to read my niece's wish list so that she could see what a recent mother thought was important.
My sis organized the clean up. I had them leave the dishes for us to do, but they cleared tables and helped put away food. I sent ham home with anyone who would take it, and loaded the dishwasher for a late night run.
This morning, Dear Husband emptied and refilled the dishwasher, and then we worked together to wash china and put things away. It was fairly painless.
It was cold out today....will be very cold tonight, but it was a pleasure to bask in the sun this afternoon, and just be a couch potato. If my family is reading this, thank you, one and all, who participated! You helped make the evening very special, and I'm delighted we had the chance to celebrate together.