It started spitting rain just as we were gearing up to hop on the motorcycle. So we took Jim Perlette up on his repeated ride offerings. Geared down as we waited, gave him the tour once he arrived, and headed toward the hotel where we breakfasted with Dan, Michelle and the girls.

Then it was over to the Lion’s Club property to help set up for the party. There were a handful of us there, hanging decorations, blowing up balloons, arranging food, and more. The place was very festive and we wrapped up as the first guest started arriving. Family, friends, co-workers, and more came to celebrate Griffin’s first birthday. And he was a champ, surviving with only a few minute nap that came hours late. He enjoyed his cake (after dis-regarding the trial-run cupcakes over the last few days) and didn’t cry when everyone sang to him.

The party wound down and friends trickled off, leaving only family for the remainder of the afternoon/evening. Horseshoes were tossed, conversations had, and jokes were made. A brick oven rolled up (literally, on a trailer) and fresh wood-fired pizzas were served. To celebrate a few other pending birthdays, Bella and Ella shared a cake for everyone’s dessert. Decorations came down quickly with everyone pitching in. Jim and Karen had presents for Bella, Sophie, and Olivia since they haven’t seen them over the last holiday or two.

Once everyone was packed away, Jim gave us a ride back to the RV. He told us about his guitar playing and, once we arrived, played a recording of him and his jam buddy playing a song together. It was beautiful! Such talent!

It didn’t take long for us to wind down for the evening. After a long, full day there wasn’t much for us to do beyond reading for a bit and then bed.