Where in the world has Lori been...???

I know my blog writing days are definitely slowing down.  I initially began a blog to record family memories.  Well... I now have Instagram and chat books.  You see, every 60 posts to Instagram, alerts Chat Books to print and send me a tiny book. 

Thus, my blogging activity has slowed to a crawl. 

So, what have I been up to? See below:

Our youngest got MARRIED!  On a beach, in Cancun, in February and it was a spectacular week.

 I scanned and downloaded 1200 family slides to share with family and friends.

Now I know where I get my sunglasses love from.. dear Mom.

 My nephew Alex, graduated high school and heads to my Alma Mater, Louisiana Tech, in the fall. 

Lynn planted and I enjoyed fifty daffodil blooms. 

 Lake time for the fourth of July.  Count em', yep that five littles swimming, splashing and sharing forever memories.  And we are so excited that number six arrives right before Christmas!  Can't wait to snuggle on MrCashJohsnon.

Napkins I used over the summer, the palm fronds, reminded me of the Cancun wedding. 

 Lots of cooking and baking, but, one of my favorites was this Cabana cake. pineapple, cherries, coconut, macadamia nuts, butter!! 

So, hang in there... I may still post occasionally or at least I hope to.

A "grand" Valentine's luncheon

At the very last minute, I decided to have the grands over for a Valentine's Luncheon.

It is not too late for you to plan one!  My inspiration was a children's book, Lilly's Chocolate Heart, by Kevin Henkes.

My grands love this little book and all year long we read the book together, right before they head home.  Then they each get a chocolate heart to gobble down at the end of the reading.

After the luncheon this year, they presented a dramatic play, while I read the book.  Their Mom's, Aunt and Papa were the audience. 

Let me present our "Love Lunch"

(obviously, I don't know how to attach a video, MissLayton and MissRaylyn were saying cheers!)

It all started with a couple cookie cutters and some cheese. 

Menu

Heart shaped all, PB&J sandwiches, cheese quesadillas, cucumbers, watermelon

Round turkey Pepperoni, too small to use the cookie cutter.  

Strawberries

Pink Lemonade (the grand babies felt so grown up, "in REAL glasses")

Velvet cake

 My book for the party inspiration. 

 Girls boxed chocolates and one for Mr. Hayes.

 "Velvet" cake for dessert.  MissLayton says (red) velvet cake is her Dad's favorite. 

 Yes, at MrHayes place setting you can find a finger monster. 

 More hearts, please!  Loved this little tiny garland.

 Pink Lemonade was served too, in those "real" Fostoria glasses. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Who wore it better?

I English smocked these collars and had the dresses made 28 years ago for my twins.  Thank goodness, I remembered they were in a garment bag in the closet.  I hand washed them and presented to my daughter's girls this month. 

My girls, MissMelissa and MissAnnMarie wore them as flower girls in a friend's wedding.

 My grand daughter's, MissLayton and MissHadley are wearing them to play with glue evidently. There was a Christmas photo shoot involved too.  I can't wait to see how that turns out.

 MissAllyAnn is wearing a dress her Aunt wore 28 years ago.  That Celtic plaid never goes out of style. Precious baby girls don't either!

My niece is getting married

My youngest niece is getting married!  So, of course her Aunt's had a wedding shower in her honor. 

Brunch and Bubbly!!

 The hostesses gave her a Brunch Cookbook that everyone signed. 

Even the flower girls signed the book!  They were asked to be flower girls at the shower.  Hooray!!

We served quiche, shrimp and grits, sausage rolls and fruit salad.  And each hostess provided 24 mini desserts.

 The bubbly bar was set self serve.

 One her Aunt's hand pressed the tags on the favors.  So sweet and pretty.

 I let the grands prepare their own peanut butter and crackers.  They weren't big shrimp and grits fans.

Great Grammie would have put all four grands on her lap if she could have.  She settled for MissAllyAnn

So happy to celebrate love and family!