It seems like yesterday that my big brother was standing by and encouraging me to ride my big wheel down the hill in our front yard. Or he, Kelly and I were playing fort with our neighbor John Hannon. So, it is really hard for me to believe that he is 40. So much has changed over the years, but some things have not. Brian is still a man who knows no strangers. He would still give the shirt off his back no questions asked to a friend in need. He still may try to come accross as a tough guy but he has a huge heart.
Matt, Ella Catherine and I traveled to Macon this past weekend to help him celebrate Derby Style! :) The invitations asked guests to wear there party hats and to get creative and make a hat that expressed you. Well, I didn't think I could make a hat here and transport it to Macon without it getting destroyed. So, I went out Friday night and bought a hat and decorated it Saturday before the party. It turned out well but by no means was the best hat of the evening. I think the best hat was a tie and goes to my brother and his long time friend Sally. You will see why in the pictures below. The festivities started at 4:30 with mint julips. We all gave our money and drew horse names out of a hat. Ella Catherine drew Eight Belles and won $10.00, which we put in her princess fund for college. I tried to get them to give her the big pot as the trauma of her horse being hurt and euthanized could scar her for life. However, her running around jabbering and giggling didn't help my cause. :) After the derby we ate a low country boil (shrimp, corn, potatoes and sausage) and drank more mint julips. It was a really great party and we had a great time. as you will see in the pictures below.
Ella Catherine and I in our hats. Somehow we couldn't get Matt to where a hat.
Ella Catherine wore her pink cowgirl hat a lot longer than I though she would. I think the awe of a new environment and new people took her mind off of it.
The co-winners of Best hat, Sally and the birthday boy!
The whole family!Top row starting from left: Lori, Cori, Brian, Kelly, mom holding EC, Keith and Becky. Bottom row from Left: Matt, Dad and Myself.
