Jude's birthday BBQ

We just realized this morning as we were getting ready for the BBQ that we haven't had many people over to the house since Jude's Masters classmates graduated and moved away. We used to have them over all the time, either for dinner, drinks or a potluck, and we kinda miss that. I think one of the greatest things about having your own place is that you can fill it with the sounds of your friends' laughter and the communal groans of stomachs too full from the delicious food that people always bring with them...

The birthday BBQ went on smashingly well, if we should say so ourselves; there was definitely enough food to go around- we made teriyaki chicken skewers, balsamic-marinated veggies, hotdogs and thinly sliced steaks; people also brought their favorite side-dishes like mac & cheese, bean dip, two yummy salads, cheese and proscuitto pinwheels; oh and let's not forget the cases upon cases of beer, two bottles of sangria, a bottle of wine and get this- what must be a record for any birthday celebration- FOUR birthday cakes (three of which were cheesecakes by the way...)!! You guys are too great!

I think everyone had a good time, what with the playground and open field, and even the weather held up- all bright and sunny, although it got a little chilly in the evening... The photos are all up here, and we just want to say a huge Thank You to all of you who came! We loved having you over, and you really helped to make Jude's little trek over the THREE-FOUR hill that much less painful... :)

[Ice-cream cake from Eric, Amy & Finn]