Surprises & Friends

The last weekend of August our parents surprised us with dinner at Texas de Brazil and an amazing symphony orchestra, calling it Faithful Daughters Appreciation Day {remember last year's?}.  We forgot the camera for the orchestra so you'll just have to believe me... it was awesome!  Oh, fun story: last time Vanessa and I enjoyed an orchestral event, she and my great-uncle fell asleep, I ended up with a large knot in my hair, and cousin Johnny and everyone else tried hard to quiet their chuckles.  Let's just say it didn't go so well {and by the way, that was eleven years ago... just in case there were any eyebrow raises} ☺.

Our good friends from Pakistan came over for a lovely visit.  Remember Ms. Farida and Simon from our New Year's party 2010?  In this first picture is her youngest brother Himaya, son Simon, and other brother Akbar.  In the next is Ms. Farida and her mother Mrs. D, as well as friend, Irma.  I'm so sad Mr. D didn't get in the picture!

Mrs. LaTonya and her family brought Mr. Cliff's famous smoked turkey for our Labor Day celebration.  I'm afraid our photographer has been rationing her shots of late, for as you can see... we have but two from that day. {sigh}

Titus and Johanna

Mrs. LaTonya, Vanessa and the Bella Bean

Her Royal Highness after a long day of resting... she's so deprived.

Just for Smiles

Of Breakfast & Baby

A couple of weeks ago {ah, yes...precision is hardly my strong hand} the lovely Mrs. Linda graced our home {and taste buds, most certainly} with a delightfully scrumptious pecan roll and coffee breakfast.  Thank you so much, Mrs. Linda, for the fellowship and goodies!

Miss Kimberly Anne dropped in as well and brought along her sweet little niece, Hannah Faith.  The Grandmas were delighted with the wee one and it was so good to catch up with you, Kimberly!

I'm Late!

Oh dear, oh dear {or maybe the repetitive line of the White Rabbit -- I'm late! I'm late! -- would better explain my predicament}!  Time has been sailing by these days, dragging me along in its wake rather more than allowing me to take my stand at the wheel...or at least somewhere on deck!  But wherever I've been on this ship of life, there's one thing that's for sure -- I've been busy -- we've all been busy; however, since I'm the one who needs to carry the blame here for being responsible for our little nook of the blogosphere, do allow me to explain where I've been.  Actually, only one word is needed for explanation's sake: SCHOOL!  Yes, that's right, this past month I've been making my way through an American Literature lesson.  That's it -- and it's enough, right? 

Okay, well pictures are here and in subsequent posts for your enjoyment.  And if you find I've fallen off the face of the earth again, please understand I'm probably being bombarded by another subject of mass destruction {ie. Government} and will come out of hiding only when it's been safely conquered.  Or even better, perhaps I'll volunteer one of the family to update you patient folks in my absence ....{scheming ☺}....

Enjoy!