It was a quiet weekend in June though there were various life passage events to take place and so the table was set for the bridal luncheon even as the entry way was being decorated with wondrous gifts from Hawaii and these 2 stood watch over the proceedings as the hen looked after all of the eggs and decorations were hung in the windows as the fish moved into a better location and the leis were spread for all to enjoy while the party picks were used in order to get ready for the mai tais the next day.

While the luncheon preparations were happening, Ben, Andy, Kurren and Joel were getting ready to go to Anna's Bat Mitzvah and so the ceremonial photos were taken

even as Suzanne talked to Betsy Ie who was taking them there.

Next it was time for the anniversary celebration encompassing 30 years. Willa Nell and friend were there as Willa and Nell posed before Martha, Malcolm and Bill arrived and I then spoke with Campbell before we went inside for dinner and the celebratory cake which Sam enjoyed as Bill captured pictures of the crowd and I noted the assembled eagerly gathered for Sam's speech which made Martha feel good as Willa and Malcolm watched as did Bill who seemed inspired and so Bill offered his own toast as I began to focus on my cake before going outside to see the fireworks

and joining Martha Jessie Bill and Suzanne in watching and participating in discussions.

The next day was the actual bridal luncheon (aka shower) and so the table was set as the glasses were ready for mai tai and the salmon and shrimp were ready but the turkey pies required some assembly on the nice fish plate though the salad was ready to go with pieces to be assembled and the shrimps were set out as were the assembled turkey pies to amuse the goldfish as the umbrellas were spread and the table was being garnished with desserts -- lemon squares brownies and blondies and the rice casserole and breads were readied when Bill Wynne the musician arrived and so had the first taste of the mai tais even before the pineapple was added to the drinks.

As I was about to leave the guests of honor -- Rene's sister, mother, bridesmaid, Rene herself, Rene's mother-in-law to be arrived and the lei was installed on Rene who posed with bridesmaid and Nancy and then larger group pictures were taken to also include the hostesses

I took this as my cue to head off to the Straus house where Ben had slept the night before. The same boys were assembled and I caught the group as they roamed around the pool

before deciding to focus on Ben

and then back to the group

before returning home to see what was left and getting a picture of the hostesses and the remains of the welcome area.