July 22 was the big day. The annual BBQ means a lot to Arlie, so Barry and I told her we’d help her pull it off this year, BUT it would be simplified. The main change would be that everyone would be asked to bring a dish to share, and their preferred beverage(s) to drink. Arlie would have plenty of bottled water on hand, and supply the burgers, brats and condiments. Arlie agreed to that, but was worried we wouldn’t have enough food. I did my best to reassure her that the amount of food and the number of people attending would be proportional, so there would always be enough. I think she remained skeptical.
Of course today was also the day Seattle was hosting a Storm game, Mariners/BlueJays game, Bite of Seattle, Capital Hill Neighborhood Block Party, SeaFair Triathlon, multiple cruise ships in for the weekend, AND the most impacting event…the only Pacific Northwest venue for Taylor Swift concerts! Over 70,000 were expected Saturday and again on Sunday for her concerts! Abby, Julie and Maddox would all three be significantly impacted with the traffic issues. It was great that Julie left early enough to miss most of it and was able to go with me to get the cake, propane, ice cream and ice from Fred Meyers. It gave us a chance to catch up. Tim was unfortunately delayed due to an unexpected trip to the veterinarian ER with one of their calves, and Kylee and Grant were regulated by Gigi’s nap. We wanted the burgers and brats to be fresh and hot for everyone, so delaying the barbecuing was not a big deal. We enjoyed visiting with each other while snacking on tortilla chips with a couple of dips to hold us over.
Everyone who RSVP’d that they would come made it! Maddox masterly manned the grill. The burgers and brats were great! We had ample food! We enjoyed potato salad, Caesar salad, a corn salsa salad, a fruit medley salad, and super sweet watermelon!
And of course we had cake!
Julie bought a small, gluten free, decadent, chocolate cake for us to have while everyone else had regular cake. When Debbie saw it was chocolate she decided to try it, too. Who doesn’t love chocolate!?!
Julie Ward came down from the Mount Vernon area. It has been five years since she has been able to make it down. It was great seeing her!
Giavonna (Gia) turned one on July 19. She got a couple extra birthday presents at the BBQ. Debbie got her the cutest little unicorn “finger puppet” book and plush unicorn to go with it.
Barry and I got her a summer dress and romper along with a soft little babydoll.
Another successful BBQ for the books. To think Arlie has been hosting an annual BBQ for 14 years, and it started from a simple suggestion from Barry way back in 2009!