Beer Cake and Dog Smooches

 

Third day of driving to Eugene from Roseburg, but this time it wasn't for Terry's eyes. My grandson-in-law, Brandon is turning 30 and it was time to help him celebrate with a party. The family was coming and also friends of his. It was a "Cheers and Beers to 30 Years" party. We stopped to pick up Mallory along the way and began the hour-long drive for the third time. 

It was a nice trip there. We had to park cars inconspicuously as possible so as to not let the "birthday boy" know what was happening in his honor. Jess had arranged to have a friend take him out on a "man's day out" while the party guests arrived, and things were set up. There were probably 40 people there and that was quite a group to "hide" so we could all yell "surprise!" as he walked through the door, but Jess managed it quite well. 

As Brandon walked into his home, everyone shouted "surprise!" 

Brandon headed straight for the kitchen when he realized what was happening. He is the one standing near the kitchen cabinets with the hat on.

Brandon appeared to be surprised. The look on his face was priceless. He walked into the living room and went straight for the kitchen to talk to people, including his wife, Jess. Everyone was laughing and although I didn't hear what was being said from the living room, he seemed very happy. It was a great kickoff to the festivities. 

Brandon is not someone who eats a lot of sweets, so Jess put a beer cake together for him. It consisted of cans of beer, of course, with the addition of lottery tickets and cans of chewing tobacco. It was well thought out and the overall idea cracked me up. I have seen birthday cakes, diaper cakes for expectant moms, but I had never seen a beer cake. 

I thought the beer cake was quite creative. The birthday boy seemed to love it as well.

Brandon immediately grabbed up packages of hot dogs, hamburger, and steak and walked outside to do what he loves best and that is to smoke meats. Smoking the meat takes a while, so we had some time before dinner was ready. It gave the rest of us time to visit with family members and guests.

My family showed up in full force, but we were missing one husband because he had to work and my youngest daughter, Brandy, and her husband Dan. Mallory was in seventh heaven as dogs of every size roamed through the house. My daughter Dawn has two small dogs, Bella and Bear. Jess and Brandon own one large dog, Rex, and her half-brother on her dad's side brought his puppy, Beau. After petting Rex and getting to know him a bit better, the puppy was her focus. He was a sleek, black two-month-old pup of pit bull and black lab parents or at least that is what we guessed. Apparently, Jess's brother wasn't 100% certain. We came to one conclusion though; no matter the breed, we loved him!

My son-in-law Andy petting their pup, Bella. 

The next hour or so became about chatting, petting pups, and enjoying family time. We love our family! Everyone was laughing, discussing happenings in each other's lives and just taking advantage of the fact that most of us were in the same house together again, finally. 

My eldest daughter, Dawn and great granddaughter Zyrah. Dawn was posing in bunny ears that my daughter, Marina, bought for Zyrah. Baby Z was afraid of them, so Grandma Dawn took over so she could enjoy them on her head. 

Sisterly love. Granddaughters Kylee and Jessee posing together for a selfie. They didn't realize grandma was taking a picture of them at the same time.

Jess and Brandon's dog, Rex, checking to see if Kylee might have something good.

Mallory chatting with others and quietly calling the dogs. 

Aunt Marina had brought baby Z a couple of gifts. One was a windup bunny. The other was the rabbit ear headband Dawn was wearing. 

Aunt Marina pulling gifts out of her tote for baby Z.

There were four dogs total at the party. Rex and Bella were enjoying the idea that out of this many people, someone, somewhere might drop food on the floor.  

Rex snuck in a couple of kisses while Terry was chatting with him. He also left plenty of "magical fibers of love" all over Terry's hoodie. 

In between clothing changes, Zyrah walks around the room, curious as to what all the commotion is about today. Baby Lola is in dad's arms getting ready to head outside. The two toddlers are two months apart and have been playmates since they were just a few months old.

Even though the bunny ears scared Zyrah, it didn't stop her from sharing those ears with others. She figured her Aunt Kylee could use a pair of ears.

It was time to eat. We gorged ourselves with salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, steak, chips, veggies, dips, macaroni salad, potato salad, fruit salad, green salad, fruit, and baked beans. It was a wonderful spread and made me realize just how blessed we are. Family, love shared, friends, happiness, joy, laughter, plenty of food to eat and the consideration of the roofs over our head. We can walk, talk, see, hear, and love. As a whole, we are all very blessed as a family and as members of the human race.

Food served, bellies full, and now it was time to sing happy birthday to the birthday boy. Gathering in the kitchen, we stood around the island and in our best off-key voices, began the well-known song of congratulations to commemorate another year gone and the beautiful beginning of another yet to come. Happy, happy birthday, Brandon! May you have at least another 30 years of joy and happiness in your life. 

Happy birthday Brandon!

Now came the time to share some cake, but in this case, it was pie, cake, cookies, cupcakes and the list goes on. Jess ensured there was plenty of dessert to go around. Terry and I snagged a couple of cupcakes and they were awesome! 

Boston cream cherry cake with a berry pie next to it. Mm. Happy birthday to all of us! 

Cup cozies Jess ordered for the party.

"Cheers and beers to 30 years" banner.

As always, it was a blast hanging out with the family. It was nice to see everyone and be able to introduce Mallory to my daughter, Dawn. Marina had already met her, and Brandy was at work during one visit to Eugene with Mallory included, so they had already had a chance to meet. Jess was able to chat with her during this visit as well. We spent another day with family, and I couldn't be happier. Jess even included a, "You're the best grandpa I ever had," statement to Terry before we left. It made my heart happy to hear that. 

I'm so in love with the idea that Terry and Mallory and my family are joining together to embrace the larger family scenario. I figured my family would accept Terry and Mallory into the mix and all would be great or at least held onto the hope that would be the case. It's coming to fruition in the best way possible. I love the feeling of family. My family is a huge blessing to me, and I would trade it for nothing. 

Another great memory was created and now it's time to head back home for the third time in three days. While it's quite the drive and Terry went through a lot this week, it all ended with a nice family gathering and lots of fun. It was very nice to see Terry smile again, even while wielding a black eye.

 Life is what we create for ourselves and the creation I've manifested in my life is the family dynamic and all that entails. The love, laughs, joy, happiness, occasional bickering, joking, periodic misunderstandings and the human experience. We are all genuinely blessed. May blessings flow through your life and into your home as they have ours. 

My granddaughter, Jessee, and her husband Brandon.