Holy cow! What a weekend!
We are just blown away from the support and help we have received from our family recently. It first started with Virginia and Tone coming to support Heidi for graduation and now it was a whole crew - Val, Matt, Christina, Carter, Grandma Babs, Grandpa Darrell, Grandpa Jeff, Nana Bev and even Bob make the trek to Cleveland to help with the graduation party.
Not only did everyone travel up, but then they jumped in to work! It was a LOT of work to throw this party and I know 100%, we could not have pulled it off without all of this help.
We want to thank everyone so much for their time, effort, expenses to travel and stay, and their support.
The crazy weekend started on Thursday with Val arriving. We ran some errands a did a little hang out with margaritas to help prepare us for the mountain of work ahead.
We baked, created decorations, lots of food prep, set up, ice runs, meal runs, and organizing in order to pull off this event.
Centerpieces for the tent tables were made
Photos were printed and gathered
Chris and his meat - we served brisket, pulled pork, sausage, mac n cheese, creamed corn, buffalo chicken dip and a whole amazing grazing table you will see!
We have several projects from photo holders to a poker table too! The decor was slowly coming together.
We rented a tent which turned out really nice and almost everyone hung out there all day and night.
People were working!
The magician, Christina, took on the balloon decor for the photo wall. Including ordering a balloon blower last minute and winging it.
Next challenge was the giant charcuterie and dessert grazing table. I didn't know what we were going to do - I just bought a bunch of random items and hoped for the best. Val and Christina took on the challenge and produced an amazing table. People thought it was catered. - Nope - you just need two talented people up for the challenge. More pictures to follow.
Meat!
These awards and photo displays turned out cute!
The table...
My coworker made the sugar cookies. They were cute!
Heidi was blown away
We lucked out and had beautiful weather!
We managed to get some family photos but I did fail at getting other guests photos. Chris and I were both busy making the rounds and trying to talk to everyone. Lesson learned that I should have taken more pictures of our guests - oh well! Also, I would not have any photos if Grandpa Jeff didn't run around and take them too!
The dogs had their little matching collars on. As barky as Rizzo can be - for the most part during the main party, he did ok and was allowed to hang out. As the party got later and I assume he got tired - he had to leave the party because he wouldn't stop barking. Remy was just happy to be there.
Yes, Jason jumped in on the family photos. :)
Jason got Heidi a hilarious present. It was very popular as the night went on...
Almost 40 hot dogs were consumed...
I have gathered photos from a variety of people and some are out of order.
Not pictured is all the work we did on the basement and Chris' new poker table. Our basement is emptied out and I will take some pictures of it for the next update. We had a great crowd show to the party and just appreciated everything. Heidi's friends came later and ended the night with us and most of the local neighbors. We are exhausted but so happy Heidi was able to have the party she wanted.
Just a HUGE Thank you again for everyone who traveled and helped. We feel loved and loved having family and friends around us! Happy graduation Heidi!