We had more than one reason to celebrate as we gathered together for my father-in-law's 75th birthday party this past weekend. In addition to reaching a significant milestone in years, "Papa," as the kids call him, has just finished chemotherapy treatments for colon cancer, and he is recovering nicely.
The party took place at the lovely rural home of my sister-in-law. I have shown photos of her rustic retreat before, here and here. My SIL is the perfect party host, taking great care to ensure that special touches abound. Above, her son helps set the outdoor tables for dinner.
The girls enjoyed eating at this special table, with logs for chairs.
The kids (including my niece/our hostess's daughter, above) appreciated the colourful curly straws.
Here are Papa's four granddaughters (including my daughter, second from left).
We dined to the tinkle of wind chimes and paired our food with some homemade wine (mixed with ginger ale in my case).
Our hostess, in a rare moment of rest.
I discussed some of the party food on Wednesday. The woman behind the amazing tofu lasagna is my mother-in-law, above right.
Here she is with her eldest grandson.
Papa with his son (my husband).
And, with his daughters. I think you can tell from the photos that Papa is a kind, gentle soul.
Here he is enjoying his birthday song.
Papa with all of his eight grandchildren, four boys and four girls.
More photos to come, including a new animal in my sister-in-law's menagerie!
Linking up to Photo Friday at The Hollie Rogue.
Hosted by Cecily and Lolli
Oh how precious. This looks like a magical family gathering. That last pic of Papa with his grandchildren is beautiful. So glad he is on the mend after such a horrible time xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Lucy! Magical is a great description. The people, the activities and the setting made it wonderful. I love the pic of him with the kids because it is so hard to get them all to pose at once!
Deletewhat a lovely family! and congrats on the birthday-man finishing chemo :)
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty great! Thanks Caitlin!
DeleteSo lovely! What a wonderful family you have!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tabetha! Yes we are fortunate!
Deleteohwow i got a bit teary-eyed with the last pic :) its a picture of utter happiness :) wonderful blessed family!
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet! Yes, they are a wonderful bunch!
Deletewhat a lovely party! looks like the guest of honor had a wonderful time :)
ReplyDeleteI think he did! :)
Deletebeautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a wonderful party and that last picture is so sweet- such a special thing to see generations of family gather together. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love to see the kids with their grandparents!
DeleteLooks like a fabulous family party Jo! Looks like everyone had fun and Papa looks so happy! Angie xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie! Papa loves to be with family!
DeleteJo, I'm so happy your FIL pulled through chemo and is doing well. It's so wonderful to be able to celebrate with family!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sherry! We are very grateful!
DeleteYour family is BEAUTIFUL!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks. You are sweet!
Delete