BBQ with a Bang

Leave it to me to plan our first ever "All-Come CCF BBQ" on the first day of the summer in which it absolutely POURS down rain. But, I think it added to the fun - as there was a bit of adventure in trying to stay dry while staying outside. There was a super built-in entertainment system with the thunder and lightening that God provided - outstanding.

Kaela provided the pictures, and I just had to start with a close-up of this pic of the flowers I've worked very hard to preserve this summer. No need to water them today.

From left to right: Kate, Kara, Me, Laurel, and Charlotte

The trampoline was a big draw, at least before the rain began:





A sample of the spread that we had. We asked folks to bring a side/dessert to share, so we ended up with a ton of leftovers.

John looking very fun, preparing the teriyaki chicken-


Cassie (who's down here for the weekend from Salem), Mikayla, and photographer-extraordinaire, Kaela


Once the rain began, it was NOT to be ignored, so we moved the table out and tried to usher as many people as we could under the canopy



The kiddos, with the prompting of Emily, decided to absorb the rainfall - and then come and give us all hugs. I wisely declined.



Eventually, the rain subsided long enough for s'more-making to happen.





Much of the crowd wisely chose to kick it indoors......


Cyrus, who just tore out his knee this week =(, and John


Don't turn your head now, Brad, Kaela is not going to stop until she beats you in Wii Tennis


Later in the afternoon, Emily (far right) taught Mikayla and Mallory the moves to Miley Cyrus' "Hoe Down Throw Down"



Checking out the pics of the day.......


New friends we just made today, Kristen and Mallory - and Becca (who brought cherry pie - from cherries she'd picked from the tree, and a lattice crust she'd made herself).