Mad Hatter's Tea Party Shower

 The teapot hanging from the arbor welcomed our family and friends to our shower for Mike and Amanda.

 The white rabbit ("That rabbit is not white, he's gray!" Penny doesn't mince words.) stood guard over the festivities.

Leading our guest to the back garden decked out for a party.

 My dearest and I have been working for weeks.  The last minute rush on the morning of the shower brought everything together. We purchased the tent for Penny's first birthday.  This was our first ever
garden party with perfect weather.

 All my potted plants were blooming nicely and the hydrangeas filled all the vases.

 The frames came from Charlotte, borrowed to Amanda for the wedding, borrowed by me for the party.

 I used many of my vintage tablecloths.

 Notice the power washed deck.  It really made a difference.

 This is the guy, he makes all my ideas and dreams come true.  Being very tall was a big help hanging things from trees and putting up the tent.  We work very well together, even when I get bossy.  He overlooks my foibles, and I couldn't do what I do without him.  Love you babe.

 Tea cups and silver spoons were a touch of tea party decor.

 My wheelbarrow.  The same one I used at Jon and Charlotte's barn wedding.  The same frame now with Fuzz (Amanda's nick name, and much shorter than Amanda to stamp.) and Mike stamped with liquid chalk.

 The frames had keys and a heart in them.  It's gonna be hard taking them down.

 Inside we served the food.  Charlotte did all the legwork there.  Handling all the purchases of sandwiches, salads and a yummy and beautiful cake.  She also made a sangria punch that everyone loved.  Kristen and Charlotte were the official hostesses.  I was just the venue.

 I was thrilled to handle that part of the party.  It looked so pretty.

 Penny really wanted to drink these.  That's why I just filled them with water and food coloring.

 These little touches were fun to do.

 We even had a croquet set.  My sweet niece Gina and Penny played while we waited for the guests to arrive. The yard looks huge here.  Our house sits on a 1/4 acre, which by city standards is huge. We have been in our home for 24 years now.  Seems like yesterday.

 Love these girls.  Gina is an amazing woman now.  She used to be one of the babies I got to take care of.  Penny had the best time.  Helpful and fun. 

 Here they are the bride and groom to be Amanda and Mike. They brought me some flowers from the farmer's market.

 Friends, family and lots of laughs.

 Hey, I know this group!  My beautiful daughter Kristen and her hubby Doug.  Gina rode from the city with them. My baby grand the girl of a million expressions.

 Here the kids are opening the gifts, with the help of a flower girl!

 I made a special gift for Mike to open with some advise and some jokes. 

 My baby boy!  Yes some tears were shed.  (Under that bushy beard is a marshmallow heart.  He's the sweetest.)

 See the Mad Hatter's Hat?  I made it from an oatmeal box!

 Kris kept track of the gifts while Gina did the traditional bow bouquet on a paper plate.

 This girl loves her Aunt and Uncle, and they love her right back. Amanda is so sweet with Penny.  They like to play games and talk. 

 Everyone was in the shade or watched form the deck.

 Then they cut the  yummy cake. 

 

 I actually remembered to have someone take a family photo.  These are my treasures.
So blessed that they are such nice and kind people, and so good to each other. Beautiful inside and out!

 These are the favors...a collaboration.  I found the cups, Kris got the teas, Charlotte found some honey sticks from Amanda's home state of Michigan, and Charlotte also made some honey oatmeal soaps.

 They put them together before the guest arrived.

 My King and Queen of Hearts banner.

 I made all the paper flowers, and painted one of the roses red as per the Alice in Wonderland story.

 My girls!  I am so happy for Kristen.  She always wanted a sister, and now she has two! I am so happy for me, being out numbered by 4 brothers all my life.  Great to have girls, and wonderful, smart and accomplished girls in our family. We were missing a few family members.  Elizabeth was in Las Vegas and Lynette was traveling, and Amy was working.  The cousins were just in town a week ago so had to miss the festivities.

 Here they are, the bride and groom to be.  We wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.
They were so happy with the shower, and we were all so happy to celebrate with them.
Now both showers are over.  The countdown begins to the wedding!

Speaking of weddings, our 42nd anniversary is tomorrow.  For anyone who knows us or reads about our life here, you know I won the lottery when I met my husband. We were (and still are) crazy kids in love.  Sending love to all of the family and friends that helped us along the way, to our children who have made us so proud and our grand daughter Penny who is making getting old so much fun.
To my heart, my husband...Though the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble, they're only made of clay but, Our Love Is Here To Stay!  Love you forever!

Thanks for stopping by and for your kindness.
Enjoy this beautiful day.
Love, Penny