Over the past weekend I traveled down to see the family and attend a family reunion on my Mother's side.
The night before I prepared this Seven Layer Salad. (It's more of a 7 ingredient salad) I've had the recipe since the 90's and it's always gone over real well whenever I take it to a party. This is the "recipe" if you want you can print it. I went to a place that supplies restaurants and bought this large aluminum pan so I wouldn't have to transport anything back home.
I have to apologize for using my cell phone- I forgot to bring my camera. Pictures are okay but not great.
My cousin and his wife created their own backyard mini theme park. They built the pond themselves and have a water slide, trampoline, paddle boats, various areas to sit and lots of garden accents. It's nice in the evenings to hang out but this year we couldn't stay late. They've also got music playing through outdoor speakers, a changing area and bathroom. There used to be a lot more shade but they've lost a bunch Ash trees because of the emerald ash borer that's plaguing trees throughout Michigan and other sates. There was a chance of rain but it just went over us so we didn't have sunshine but it was in the low 80's and humid.
Although I never got a picture with everyone in it I believe we had about 35 people there. I think about 10 were missing.
We took the opportunity to have cake and sing Happy Birthday to my mom who's turning 92 in a few days.
I even brought my insulated cup I won from the blogger Ron at the Uptown Acorn!
As you can see we enjoyed a variety of food! This was a two rounder since you couldn't try out everything you wanted with just one plate!
You can see the long table with everyone's dishes that they brought.
That's my cousin Ron (the host) in the center, his brother and a niece. Usually we're outside with tables spread around the lawn but because of the threat of rain we were under a covered pavilion area.
My mom and my 3 sisters (It was not a good hair day- high humidity!)
I'm the one in pink.
So that was my (500 mile round trip) weekend and I've been trying to catch up ever since!
Looks like a fun time with family. And yes! I love that you brought your Uptown Acorn win. xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way of celebrating your Mom's 92nd birthday. Having the girls all together for a group photo is priceless. The food all looks so good. What a great backyard to have fun in. I hope you are getting caught up. Rest and take some time for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI love your hair. Definetly not a bad-hair day :) In fact you look rested and happy... If I'd done that much traveling I'd look awful.
ReplyDeleteI see that outdoor creativity runs in the family. Happy Birthday to Mother who looks happy and having a wonderful time.
Take Care,
Teresa
That was so nice to have a little birthday celebration for your Mom while everyone was assembled. To have lived for 92 years is quite a big deal, and I'm sure she appreciated the recognition!
ReplyDeleteThis is seriously one of the most incredibly backyards I have EVER seen!!! I mean...WOW! To have a pavilion area at all...let alone one big enough to accommodate all those relatives...is so cool! And all the water features and fun stuff...what a great thing!
I'm glad the food was all so good and that your family enjoyed themselves. I KNOW the children had to have a blast!!!
Hi Liz, what a wonderful reunion. The food looks so good and I can see it being a two plate picnic. Happy Birthday to your mom. God Bless her being 92. What a milestone to celebrate this with her.
ReplyDeleteLove the setting and the pavilion is incredible. Great pics together with the girls. Looks like happy times all around. Your hair is beautiful. Humidity leaves my hair looking like BOZO!! LOL
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Hugs
What a great place for a family reunion! I make a 7 layer salad too, and it is something everyone seems to like. I'm going to check out your recipe. laurie
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say that your mother looks amazing for her age! Happy Birthday to Liz's Mom. laurie
ReplyDeleteWow! Not just everyone can have a back yard theme park! That is truly amazing. What a treasure that you and your sisters could celebrate your mom's birthday together, along with all the family. It was worth the tiring trip - now that you're home and caught up, right? My mom used to make a 7-layer salad in the 70's. I'll bet it's the same recipe. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Liz! Sounds like a great time with your family! I used to make that recipe and haven't thought about it in years. I'll have to make it again! You look mahvelous, Dahling! Yes, we got the house, just waiting for the closing in August. All is a go! Thanks for popping in and hope you're getting caught up.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
How fun! I love getting together with family, the food is a big draw as well! LOL
ReplyDeleteBeautiful happy family. Birthday blessings to your lovely Mom.
Hugs,
Patti
That looks like a lot of fun. I love their property! We never get together for family reunions but wish we did. It would be nice to see everyone together like that.
ReplyDelete