powell family: October 2010

More photos of Bruce's 40th!

Just click above! My favorites are of the surprised birthday boy... priceless! Enjoy!

The Cake Says It All!

Cody surprised Bruce with the most beautiful dinner party at Bluehour in downtown Portland. He thought he was having dinner with his Martin family on October 7th, but to his great surprise, his dearest friends and his Schuman family were also there to celebrate his 40th! Mom, Dad and I flew in that afternoon and Cody picked us up at the airport and snuck us over to the Martins to get ready for the evening. The Bluehour staff hid us Schumans in the kitchen so that, after the initial surprise of friends, Bruce had a second surprise of family. It was awesome and SO MUCH FUN!

Here I am, in Portland, with the man of the hour! I'm so blessed to have been able to attend in his honor! Will wanted so much to be there, but he was sweet enough to stay behind and take care of the kids and Grandma. Thanks, Honey.

I love these pictures of Bruce and Cody.

Everyone toasted Bruce, even me. I gave a speech, summing up Bruce's and my relationship over the past 37 years. Like I said at the end, "Here's to 40 more years of being your adoring sister." And I am. I got photos of a few other toasters like Justin (Cody's brother), Mom and Dad.

Bruce thanked everyone for the biggest surprise of his life. Good job, Sister!

I wish I had taken pictures of the rest of the weekend, but, honestly, I was having so much fun that I forgot to. We Schumans shared lots of family time with the Martins and just, well... ate. I did, however, take this picture at B and C's house. Cody surprised Bruce the morning of his birthday with 40 balloons downstairs. Sweet.

Happy 84th Birthday, Grandma!

G.G. got extra love on her special day... I should say "days." We celebrated her birthday on the Saturday before the 6th... and then we celebrated a little more all week. She loved her handmade cards (and money from Titus :)) and all the hugs and kisses she got. Grandma requested salmon for her dinner, so I made stuffed salmon and Will made his special fried potatoes. Yum.

I made Maple-Gingerbread Layer Cake with Maple-Caramel Glaze. It's hard to put into words how delicious this cake is. It's our new favorite for Fall!

Lovebirds. :)

Yard Help

As most of you know, Will gets his stress out in the yard. I think working out there is therapeutic for him. (Once we move to the country, he has no idea how much therapy he will get!) If he has his way, there are at least a couple of helpers out there with him. Zane is our new expert lawn mower, and he is thrilled to make a little cash for his work.

Lady on the go!

Sullivan is super into hats right now. Usually while the boys and I are having school, she'll go buzzing by in hats (and jewelry and purses), baby in tow, headed who-knows-where. She always makes me laugh!

Dinner with Cindy

Will's sister, Cindy, was in San Diego for a conference for work. We jumped at the opportunity to drive down September 18th to take her to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. We enjoyed a great dinner outside and enjoyed Cindy even more. We just don't see her or her family enough. Grandma talked about her for days afterwards.