I am about to hop in the shower as the party prep takes place downstairs. The young people are downstairs working right now. One very cool thing is that it appears that in this generation, real men do help with party prep (my husband always has, but he was the oldest of five and the second-in-command to a mother who [like the woman he married] has definite standards for housekeeping).
I will update this with pictures after the party. I'm very excited!
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The Pinup Girl was amazing. The theme of the party was "chemistry"--so perfect for a chem major/pharmacist. In addition to the cupcakes being the periodic table of the elements, she used GuG's textbooks and papers in the decor. My house has never looked this good. The food was simple, but delicious--mini quiches and caprese crostini and for drinks, Champagne with sparkling juices. The games were great fun and not too-showerish if you know what I mean.
It was great fun to see some girls I have not seen in years--they've all been out of high school for almost 10 years. Two of my mother's best friends were present. I can't tell you what that means to me.
GuG with 3/5 of the bridal party--her half-sister, Social Butterfly and the Pinup Girl. Fun Fact: If you average her sister's and SB's height, that number will be a smidge over 5'll.
GuG's stepmother made the ballcap veil which went perfectly with the Br-I-De lab coat TPG designed--and thank goodness TPG put me out of my misery as I was wracking my brain trying to think of what element "De" could be; she had to take some poetic license on that one.
Of course there were presents. GuG's grandmother attached a gift card to a plate that belonged to her great-grandmother--cool idea, no?
This is my very favorite photo of the day. My eyes tear up every time I even think about it. It's been a long time in the making.
Bear, Bugs, Me, OMomK, SB, GuG--together for the first time in three years. It feels good. Very good.
Ginger and Maryann aka Bear and Social Butterfly
This photo? Kind of takes my breath away. Oh, TWO, you are so missed.
So that was the party. After the party? The after-party, natch.
OMomK keeps a close eye on Mr. Fix-it's pour. This man deserves a medal for always being willing to make one more Chandon run. Seriously.
SB even changed into her New Year's Eve party dress. No idea who or what I am hailing so enthusiastically.
Yes, we did indeed raise the roof. Also? Shorty got low, low, low. I highly recommend Pandora's Kelis Milkshake station if you are in the mood to get jiggy with it. It is a testament to the power of caffeine, extra-strength Tylenol and a flexible arrival time (thank you, universe, for no students today) that I made it to work. As I said on Facebook, I was seriously channeling The Little Engine that Could.
As if all of this was not enough good news, Grownup Girl found out today that her school found a rotation for her in Chicago, so the master plan remains intact. Lest you think as you look at these photos, "She doesn't look in that much pain to me," that is, in fact, a Percocet smile on her lovely face.
Thank you bloggy peeps for all the good juju you sent. I am convinced it makes a difference. To the readers (yes, plural) that emailed an offer of a place to stay and someone to look out for GuG if she did have to make that Montana drive--you are good people. Thank you so much. To the rest of you--thank you for sharing in my joy. My heart is indeed full.
To The Pinup Girl and Grownup Girl--that tipsy offer of unlimited free babysitting in a few years? It still stands in the sober light of day :)
There is nothing more beautiful than family and friends who take such exuberant joy in celebrating with each other. Looks like a fantastic party!
Posted by: jenn | January 08, 2013 at 06:06 AM
Oh it looks like a splendid time! So much love in your home!
Posted by: Green Girl in Wisconsin | January 08, 2013 at 09:50 AM
Wow! So much joy captured, and I am so impressed with the decorations. Did you gals find all those ideas on Pinterest? Most of the showers I've been to didn't have games and I was bored silly.
Posted by: Jenrantsraves | January 08, 2013 at 10:22 AM
Such a perfect day! So happy we could share this with GuG <3 We love you guys and yes we did miss TWO sooooo much....the pictures absolutely brought tears to my eyes xoxo.
Posted by: omom | January 08, 2013 at 01:13 PM
That has got to be one of the most clever party ideas ever! And the colors? Superb!
I'm so glad it all worked out well in her favor, and I do hope she feels better very soon. Your family knows how to party, and I admire that!
Posted by: Busy Bee Suz | January 08, 2013 at 03:24 PM
Excellent times and news all around.
I LOVE the Br.I.De lab coat!
Posted by: Nic | January 08, 2013 at 03:26 PM
The photos are fabulous -- I can feel the joy from here! Some of them make me tear up, too. And I am sorry to say that I am well acquainted with Percocet smiles. ("Better living through chemicals!")
The news about a Chicago rotation calls for another Chandon run! Yippee!! ♥ (And I'm totally claiming prayer answered there.)
Posted by: Karen (formerly kcinnova) | January 08, 2013 at 05:23 PM
Looks like you all had a wonderful time, and I love the periodic table of cupcakes (!) And I'm so glad that GuG will be able to stay in Chicago.
Posted by: lanes | January 08, 2013 at 06:22 PM
It DOES make a difference :) BTW, your young daughter could be called grownup girl now too, doncha think? She looks like a 28 year old career woman :)
Posted by: gary rith | January 08, 2013 at 07:04 PM
that looks like it was a divine party. cheers!
Posted by: magpie | January 09, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Just lovely - all of it.
Posted by: Brightside-Susan | January 09, 2013 at 10:16 PM
Wow. Just Wow. Ok and you all look awesome and such a fun party!!! CONGRATS TO ALL!
Posted by: The Girl Next Door | January 10, 2013 at 11:27 AM
Amazing and very interesting party photos you shared.It's really very fun and enjoyment moment of your life.:)
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Oh it looks like a splendid time! So much love in your home!
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