The Annual CarWil Weekend in Muskoka

What better way to spend a long weekend than with friends of over 25 years and all our beautiful children.  A chance meeting at a hockey arena and the rest is history.

It wouldn't be a visit with the Williams without some serious and intense discussion about the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays.  It starts with the dads and moves right down the family tree. It would be so boring if they actually agreed with each other now and again.  :)  LOL

Never a short supply of food or beer or wine.  Good job the liquor store is only 10 kms away.  Many mornings we wake up to someway saying "seriously we drank all the red wine last night".

Over the years our group has grown from 10 to 14 (MJ and I are waiting the group to keep growing).

The CarWil Golf Tournament is always a highlight for the guys, while us girls are happy to just chill in the water with maybe a wee drink or two.  Not to mention the best appetizers. 

Saturday was beautiful, the storm moved in on Sunday which was probably good as there were a few burnt puppies in the group.  Still lots to talk about and a Jays game on.  I was a little worried I might have to find our copy of their favourite move "Major League".  :)

Thank you Williams and Carlsons for finding the time and adding more memories to our overflowing friendship chest.  :)   xoxox   See you at Rachel's wedding.  And let the planning begin for the CarWil Weekend in PEI next year.  

Rachel's Shower Celebration with the Tribbling Ladies

Shower #2 for Rachel and I have to say that when it comes to wedding celebrations each one gets more exciting and special.  According to the Bay Bridal Registry there are 110 days left until the BIG DAY.   A big thank you to Maryjo, Lindsey and Kathleen for hosting this beautiful shower for Rachel.  Becky Fyfe dropped in at our house first so we could all go together.

Maryjo found a new piping bag and went wild on a beautiful wedding dress cake.  And yummy as can be.

Kathleen, Rachel's best friend since they were around 2 was the head of decorating and what a beautiful, fun job she did.  Every balloon had a picture of Rachel as a child, with one of her bridesmaids and important people in her life.  

You couldn't have a bride without a veil.  MJ dug around in her cupboard and found her first communion veil.  We heard the story about how her mom had saved hers only to have her husband (MJs dad) accidentally throw it away.  MJ takes after her mom in holding onto things and keeping them in good shape.  If you ever lose something MJ can find it.  So I can just imagine MJ's mom when she discovered her veil was missing.  Hey MJ:  Did Kathleen wear this veil too??

Everyone enjoyed a pre lunch cocktail with lots of catch up and giggles.

I think Lindsey lived over at MJ's for most of the weekend, preparing food, organizing tables, so many little details that Lindsey is an expert at.  It was very strange for me not knowing or being able to help with this shower.  Homemade quiches, 3 different salads, and nibbles, absolutely delicious.

Lunch was soon demolished with lots of happy tummies.  Rachel went through to the family room and the ladies took their presents through individually and sat with her while she opened them.  It was such a nice way to do it as she was able to get to talk to everyone.  The shower was for our Tribbling Ladies and good school friend moms who have known Rachel since she was at least 5.  Lots of school memories, soccer memories, street parties, fireworks, etc.  From the time she was born these mom's watched her walk up and down the street and kept their eye on her.  Their children babysat for me.  Their phones buzzed if I had a concern or needed something.  

Kathleen keeping notes for Rachel.  

The Irvine family has been a part of Rachel's life since before she was born.  Lots of tears were shed the day she was born, only 2 months after Lindsey's youngest Neil was born.  When we became good friends with Lindsey and Doug and Andy and MJ we were blessed with becoming a part of an extended family.

Darling Dale Thom couldn't make it to the shower as she was recovering from double knee surgery the week before.  Little Stella helped open her beautiful present.  Missed you Dale.  So excited for your new knees.  

Cathy's daughter Kelly was Rachel's first babysitter (next to her grandparents).  Kelly now has a baby of her own and grandma Cathy is in 7th heaven.

Cindy has the honour of being the Mother of the Maid of Honour.  Annie wasn't able to make it as her new baby can't leave the States until they get her passport.  They were hoping it would be done in time but unfortunately we shall have to wait until closer to the wedding to meet little Addilyn.

Annie and the girls made arrangements to skype Rachel while she was opening her present.  Lots of tears, and lots of giggles.  

 

 

 

 

Did I mention that the ladies couldn't stay in the dining room and had to come through to join in the present opening.  Also made it easier to mingle and do some more catching up with everyone.

I was ever so happy to see Ainsley there.  She is a wonderful photographer, so I gladly handed over my camera to her.  400 pictures later and the day was finished.  Here are a few of the great photos she took.

The happy groom-to-be popped in.  

Thank you again to the ladies for sharing their time at this busy time of year as we celebrate Rachel and Jay's upcoming nuptials.  As we grow older we may be growing apart but thankfully we realize how important these celebrations are.  More wonderful memories to reinforce how blessed we are with each other and our growing families.  Maryjo, Lindsey and Kathleen you are family to me and I can't tell you how much I love you and your families.  Yes, tears are flowing as I write this.  Love you all.