Play Catch Up

So much has gone on since my last post, that I'll have to do it in pieces. I apologize for TMI where it occurs.

BBQ Where Are You, The Epilogue
The grill, missing screws, bolts and all the warranty and user guides, arrived on Friday, May 12 at 8 am. Upon this discovery, and then the realization that the grill was actually a floor model, I spent the rest of the day on the phone with Lowe's headquarters, and finally the local store manager, who until this point, was non-existent.

The grill FINALLY arrived at 5pm EST on Friday the 12th, delivered by two hardworking fellows from the Flooring department. How they got this assignment, I dare not wonder.

This grill had a big paint chip on the side grill plate, but luckily for me (WHOOPEEE!), the grill alread residing in my backyard had its plate intact, so the gents kindly switched them and took the offending model back to the store. Alas, I shall never see them again. I HOPE.

The Entertainers
The next 24 hours are a virtual blur: I picked up the giant Elmo head and costume, my mother arrived Friday night, we party-planned, toted the boy around, Guy cooked ribs overnight to soften the meat (I didn't even know we were having ribs, and we also had shrimp!), and a giant blow up toy sat in the yard, accompanied by bounce ball things and a bubble machine.

Saturday we ran around like chickens with...., until it became evident that Spencer, the birthday boy, was not feeling so well. Cranky was he, until he had an excellent nap, during which time, the moonbounce arrived and proceeded to take up the ENTIRE backyard. It was a sight to see. Up went the decorations, out went the plastic utensils, tub of ice, and heating trays.

Guests arrived, music played, glasses clinked and the sun came out, Elmo entertained despite some little ones knowing about the zipper in the back and that he sounded a little too much like me. Spencer smiled and giggled and bounced and crawled, and ultimately did a double-fisted lunge into his cake, right on cue.

Guy and I even took a little time to jump around in the moonbounce until we were totally winded(about 5 minutes). A success by all accounts.