The picnic was at an old cemetery. One of Jocelyn's friend's mom lives on the grounds and is the caretaker for "the 37 acres of greenness in the heart of the Sandtown/Winchester Neighborhood of Baltimore (just south of North Avenue). ... She raises goats, donkeys and a llama named Micah. It is a strange and beautiful spot, the kids will love it!" (as described by Jocelyn's friend) And they did!
The place is very beautiful. The sun was shining. There was a slight breeze. The kids were running, playing and splashing! They had a little blow-up pool. We had a ball and there were some kites. But the high point were the animals. There were little goats, a donkey, a miniature donkey, and a llama! Seriously! Vera was giggling and literally screeching with joy and screaming "goat, goat, goat" - Jonah was interested but a bit timid. We had hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers and all kinds of treats. Jonah became fast friends with another little girl. It was really a great afternoon outing.
It was a bit strange to be "picnicking" and "playing" in the middle of the cemetery... like on the graves... but it was sort of cool. I was thinking how interesting it was that this group of friends were getting together (some hadn't seen each other in at least 10 years and maybe 20) - many now with kids of their own, hanging out near the graves (and probably spirits) of generations past - it felt somehow very profound and fitting...
It is funny to be the "+1" at a reunion event. They passed around some old photos of the gang from their prom and graduation. Jocelyn went to her prom in a peach prom dress!!! I have never seen Jocelyn in a dress. It was awesome! I remember my 20th high school reunion. I went with my best friend from high school - we have pact to go to all our reunions together, with each other and without partners. We had fun - it was four years ago. I can't believe how time flies. Jonah will be 3 on Monday! Tomorrow, we are getting his first hair cut! Everything goes by so fast!
Anyway, after the picnic we went to Jocelyn's family's house in Baltimore (what Jonah calls Grandma's house). Grandma is watching the kids tonight. We are staying in a hotel in downtown Baltimore tonight and going to the main reunion event! Whoop Whoop for us.
According to the official theme of the evening (really there is one!) - we are supposed to be looking "Grown & Sexy!" - seriously!!! And according to the myriad of facebook postings about the dress code - the consensus seems to be you are supposed to arrive "camera ready fresh!" - to say I am a bit intimidated might be an understatement...
I tried on a bunch of dresses for Jocelyn this morning and she picked the one I should wear. She is wearing her tux... It is going to be a fun evening!
DATE NIGHT AT THE 20th REUNION WITHOUT THE TWO KIDS!
Now that is something to celebrate!
Hope Jocelyn & I can get up tomorrow and pick up the kids and make it to Jonah's 1pm haircut appointment on time! :-)
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| partying it up here?!?! |
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| with some goats |
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| and donkeys |
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| and a llama |
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| jonah found this plastic thing and decided it was spiderman's secret web... |
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| adventuring |
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| I LOOVVVEEE the animals mommy! |
That picture of the llama is priceless.
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