Neighborhood Party & Girls' Night

We spent a fun Sunday evening hanging out on our old street with our neighbors.  It had rained all week long, but cleared off just in time for the party.  The girls were so sweet to make a "Goodbye Garners" banner for the food table, Laura organized some games (involving water balloons, which the kids LOVED), and they served pizza, water melon and homemade cookie cake for dessert.  It was hard to say good-bye to these friends that have been such a big part of our daily lives for seven years.  Our kids were really lucky to have so many great friends to play with, and it was always nice to have other moms to visit with while the kids rode bikes and played.  We will definitely stay in touch with them and drop back by to visit when we're in town.  Thank you, neighbors, for a special evening.

A sprinkler is always simple, perfect entertainment for kids!

Can't believe they are all finishing 1st grade already.  Seems like we were just attending Kindergarten Round-up.

What a great group of kids!

*****

Tuesday we had a play date at the park with some friends.  I'm so glad Alexee and M met in their 1st grade class.  We've loved getting to know them this year.  They are moving in June too...I just wish we were moving to the same town!

Then on Wednesday evening my friends Cameron and Ali hosted a farewell dinner at Cameron's house, which was so fun (not the "farewell" part, but just hanging out with everyone...it was nice to catch up, hear what their families had been up to, talk about summer plans, etc.)  We (plus several other girls) used to all play Pokeeno together a long time ago, but schedules just got too hectic with kids' activities and other things...so now we just get together for dinner occasionally.  I love all of these girls and will miss them, but they've promised to plan a girls' trip to visit soon!  :) 

                                  

Cameron, me, Becca, Katie, Ali, Mindy & Mary

(It was obviously a night for white jeans-ha!)

The food was all delicious and the flowers were so pretty.  (Wish I would have taken more pictures.)  Cameron's house is so warm and inviting--I love going there!  And she always serves the best mint tea.  Ali brought an assortment of wonderful cupcake from here...I had my usual Red Velvet.  AND, they were SO sweet to give me this beautiful Arkansas pillow as a going-away gift!! I will think of all these dear friends each time I see it in our house.  :)  It has been sad to have to say one good-bye after another lately, but it has certainly reminded me how blessed we've been to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.  We will leave town this weekend with full and thankful hearts!