Big Ones--40 and 60!

This past week my mom hit a milestone and I think she makes 60 look fantastic!

She planned a weekend get together with the ladies on both sides of the family that were local and I got the privilege of cooking dinner for all of us on Saturday night.  Knowing some of my mom's favorites I made Creamy Chicken Marsala and Chicken Parmesan w/Sauteed Mushrooms, both with Angel Hair pasta, Salad Greens, and Creme Brulee for dessert.  Yum. 

After dinner we got good and silly playing "Spoons"--a card game where everyone simultaneously tries to collect 4 of-a-kind. 

As soon as one person succeeds, they grab a spoon from the middle of the table and everyone follows their lead.  With one less spoon than number of players, the last person is empty-handed and gets a letter in the order of P-I-G.  When you've lost 3 rounds and have "PIG", you're out of the game and another spoon is removed from the table.

(Seated around the table starting at the bottom left: Aunt Carolyn, Cousin Heather, Cousin-in-law Krystal, Cousin Laura, Cousin Lindsey, Sis-in-law Kim, Aunt Deb, Grandma Arlene, Nana Ruth, Aunt Glynnette, Aunt Jean, and mom.  Missing from this pic: Aunt Joyce, Aunt Jeanie, and myself.) 

A totally non-staged picture, believe it or not!

                   

And with all of life's busyness, I realized recently that I hadn't posted pictures from Pete's 40th at the end of August!  He wasn't real thrilled about this birthday, and wanted things low-key, so we had a picnic at my parents:  BBQed chicken, mac-n-cheese, veggies, deviled eggs, and homemade raspberry ice cream for dessert.  It was super muggy but we still had fun. 

Of course he got a few "old man" gifts to keep him feeling young: one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish boxers, Scooby Doo bandaids, etc. :-) 

So, here are a few pictures...3 months late!