Happy Labor Day in the USA!

We made it home from Naples late this afternoon. It was a wonderful time with family and friends and a great early birthday celebration for Joe (his birthday is the 5th).  Kathy and Jim always do so much for us.

When we arrived, late Friday afternoon, we were welcomed by Jim. Kathy got home from work shortly after. Tristan got home from his after school work at 6:00, and brought pizza with him for our dinner. It was a pizza party full of laughter and love. We looked through the pictures of Tristan's summer vacation, with his mom, to Norway and Sweden. What beautiful countries and what fun they had!  They brought us a gift, from Sweden....

Aren't they cute! A cat napkin holder and matching napkins. Love them!

Saturday morning, they took us all out to brunch at a wonderful little restaurant we have been to several times, called Blueberry's. They make a great breakfast, and it is a favorite of us all.  When we got back home, Kathy and Tristan started cooking for the birthday party. Tristan put eight pounds of pork in two crockpots, to make his famous pulled pork recipe.  His mom (Kathy) taught him how to make it so he would have something good he could make for friends when he goes away to college next year. Kathy made Swedish meatballs to serve over bow-tie pasta, and scalloped potatoes with Parmesan cheese. Joe's favorite ice cream cake, from Dairy Queen was in the freezer, for dessert. Kathy also made a salad, and Jenny was bringing a fresh fruit salad.

Granddaughter Lauren arrived late afternoon, and the rest of the guests arrived between 5:30 and 6:00.  The party didn't break up until after 11:00, so it was great fun!!  Here are photos....

 Joe, with his birthday balloons.

 Joe and our friend, Rob.

 Tristan's friend, Brett, Brett's mom, Jenny, Jim, Joe and Brett's dad, Rob.

 Tristan, working on his pulled pork.

The party, in full swing.

 Meatballs and potatoes.

 Tristan's pork.

Brett and Tristan. 

Lauren and her mom, Kathy (our daughter-in-love).

(For my newer blogging friends, Kathy and our son were divorced many years ago, but we didn't divorce Kathy and are so blessed to still have her love (and that of her husband, Jim). It allows us to enjoy our grandchildren. Our son, Joe, is also happy about it, and he and his wife, Darlene, are able to be friendly with Kathy and Jim, which also makes life easier for everyone.) 

 The ice cream cake.

 Lighting the candles...

 There was lots of laughter, all night long.

Lauren found a funny card for her grandpa. 

Grandpa, Lauren, Grandma (me), and Tristan.

We all slept a little later this morning (Sunday) and spent the morning drinking coffee and reminiscing.  Joe and I were planning to leave by 11:00, but Jim asked us to stay and go to lunch with everyone, at one of their favorite restaurants. We really didn't want to go just yet, so gladly accepted the invitation. Lunch was wonderful. Our car was packed, so we could leave from the restaurant. We hit the road and made a few stops along the way. The trip takes a little more than three hours, and we have done it so many times that we have our favorite places to stop, including a couple of little shops that we like. We took our time, had good weather, and are thrilled to have another day - Labor Day - before going back to work.

Lauren sent me this photo (selfie) of Tristan and her that I thought was cute. I love that we can share photos so easily!!

I see that there are well over 35 blogs sitting in my Feedly account that will need some attention. I won't promise to comment on them all, but I will do my best to read through them. I have missed you all, and don't want to miss out on your news.  Thanks for stopping by and looking at the photos!! Peace, love & hugs!!