Fun Times in July - Lawn Bowling at the Jolly's

Tis' the season for the annual Jolly Family SummerFest.
OK, I don't know if that's the proper term because this was my first year in attendance, but hey, that's what I'm calling it. So there. :)

So every July the Jolly family (seriously, that's their real name...now get over it) holds this gathering of family and friends who all celebrate birthdays or something special in the month of July.

Seeing as though my sister Katy has a birthday in July and has literally been another sibling to the Jolly brood since she was a wee lassie of 4 years old, she was of course invited to this backyard shindig. And seeing as though I've been close with the family too (Paula refers to me as her sister; we might as well be) and had the car to drive Katy, the invite extended to moi. Cause I'm a cool cat too ;)

The house was teeming with excitement and people and laughter and conversation and introductions and of course: LOTS of delicious food that would put the honorary Chef Gordon Ramsey to shame...speaking of which, Hells Kitchen is on as I blog this...better hurry...

So yeah. Food. People. Good times. Memories. And...lawn bowling. Never played it in my life and good Lord, might I say how much FUNNNNN it was!! OMG!!! SO much fun that it caused me to exhibit my goofy side (see attached pic). Cause that's what happens when I get in my element and get comfortable: the REAL Lisa comes out! :)

Kelly and Al - Sunset Beach Wedding - July 4th

Well!
We've attended two weddings in a row now and have another, for my ex-fiance, on the way! Tis the season for matrimonial bliss!

Nick and I attended his sister's wedding a week ago, Saturday July 4th on the beach in Point Clark. It was a sunset wedding, and just beautifully done in true Kelly n' Al style; simple and classy.

The reception was held in their backyard under a large tent and filled with well over a hundred people. Maybe close to two hundred. I don't know. I was drinking, lol. But there were alot. :)

They had a buffet dinner that consisted of everything from smoked fish and mussels to a wide selection of hors d'œuvres, to shish-kabobs of both chicken and steak, a fruit tray, salads galour, and of course, Champagne that was served by one of the hottie groomsmen who also donned kilts. Mmmhmm...hey, just cause I've already bought my shoes don't mean I can't still window shop! :)

Although the cool air from off the lake was a little breezy at times and caused for me to shiver often (I get cold easily), Nick was ever the gentleman as he offered to me his jacket from his suit.
But the atmosphere around us with all the guests and their smiles and abundance of laughter made the night so warm and comfortable.

And at about 10pm, friends of the Bride and Groom set off fireworks in the adjacent field. Friggin' awesome. I got a good shot of Kelly and Al kissing during the explosions :)

We had a fantastic time and if it wasn't for the fact that Nick had a tee-off time at 7am the next morning (it was a Tournament; he kinda had to be there), we would have saved ourselves the 2.5 hour drive back home that night and crashed somewhere in their yard; picnic table, spot on the grass, wherever. We SO did not want to leave.

But...there's the rest of the summer for us to head up there for a weekend and relax around a campfire as our kids; 2 from us, 2 from them, play. I can't wait for that!