The 'sign in' table! When family members arrive, they sign their name to the small slip of cardstock, and then take the larger one and write down their tradition with a little history of it: how it came to be, how they carry it on now, etc. There is a great book (on the table from DBook) about traditions that we give to the bride. I take a picture of each guest with the bride and then make a scrapbook for her with their picture, the tradition and their signature on each page. Obviously not everyone can come, so many mail their traditions in time for the party. We sure appreciate their love and support!
We have appetizers while the guest are arriving and then dinner on the china together. Oh it is so fun to reconnect with and meet new family members!
One of the pretty flower arrangements that Gwen did. Also the tile that Mike and Adrianne got for Christmas.
The kitchen table set and ready to go. The signs all have quotes and sayings about love and marriage. We had them scattered around the house everywhere.
The living room is filling up with lots of 'traditions'! Can't wait to see what is unique to each person!
To start off the gift giving, I give a short talk on the importance of family traditions and then as Adrianne opens each gift, the giver either reads their card or tells about the tratition they brought. It is such a happy time to hear everyone share their feelings and perspectives. We can be laughing one minute and crying the next. Here is Heidi (Duff's cousin) having her turn. She chose playing games and brought a basket with all kinds of board games! We had some good giggles as she told about playing games in their family!
Alisa, one of Adrianne's sisters telling about the tradition of first day of school pictures and having breakfast for dinner on Sundays.
Grandpa made it known early on that he was 'put out' that 'the MEN' weren't invited to the shower. So he went and got a gift anyway and had to have his picture taken with the bride. Isn't her top cute? "Wifey". He got them everything for a medicine cabinet/drawer. Good idea Grandpa--he always was the 'ouchey-fixer' when I was growing up!
The two daughters-in-law so far. Adrianne and Meredith--How did we get so lucky to have you both???!!!
The MEN leaving for their night on the town, while we LADIES get to party at home! They went to the Trabuco Oaks Steak House for a leisurely dinner. It's a fun place in the canyon--small and built around and through several large oak trees. If you come in wearing a tie, they cut it off and hang it on the walls!
The tratitions begin! Her sweet mom is sitting next to her. Hmmm...wonder what's in this box?
Ann and Jan (Duff's twin sisters) send the tradition of soft sugar cookies with a recipe that's been in Duff's family forever, and it IS the best one I have ever found. They have cookie cutters and all the tools and the Watkins vanilla for them. Ann is also a fabulous seamstress and makes holiday pillowcases. With a name like Duffy, St. Patricks Day was a given!
A beautiful Family Bible from her mom. She was so excited because she was really hoping she could begin this for her own family.
A darling apron with a cute poem about wearing aprons. I like that aprons are making a comeback.
We finished off the night with a mini-wedding cake. Adrianne doing the honors on the first slice. Getting a little practice in for the 'big day'!
There were so many great traditions passed on: angel food cake w/ pans, mix, and glaze recipe--Christmas Trifle with bowl and recipe--homemade crocheted potholders started by a great-grandma and now done by a grandma--homemade ice-cream freezer with scoop and recipes--sugar and spice canisters w/ snickerdoodle recipe in the sugar one and lingerie in the 'spice' one (very cute)--Countdown to Christmas story/music/game binder--Sunday tablecloth and napkins--cookie press with sheet and spatulas for Christmas tree cookies--"Egg Gravy" history, utensils, etc.--hand crafted topiaries to decorate with--scrapbooking supplies for vacation pictures--board games--aprons and holiday pillowcases.
CONGRATULATIONS ADRIANNE.
( A BIG shout-out of love and thanks to Lisa, Gwen, Mom Duffy, my Mom, Natalie, Christine, and Meredith for all their help!!!!)
