Fathers and Families

Hape Fothrs Da!

We had a great Father's Day this year! Jason and Melissa came to visit from TX, and Uncle Fred come down from DC. We felt truly blessed to have so many out of town family members come to Memphis for the weekend.

And as every family get together should, we ate lots and lots! Thursday Jason and Melissa, Terry and Angela (and Gemma) joined us for a late dinner. Since John and I had to work on Friday, we all went to bed early. Heck, who am I kidding. We went to bed early every night! LOL!

Jason showing Luke how to shoot the water gun.

On Friday we made the trek down to MS to visit Nonna and Pop and see their new pool. We were excited to see Uncle Fred, who had been put to work laying sod. Evan played a little while in the sprinkler, but loved splashing in the new pool with Nonna. Luke....well, he didn't like much that night.

 

Saturday morning we had a brunch with John's mom's side of the family. PawPaw Charlie always make a mean brunch. YUM! Everyone who hadn't seen the new house came by on their way out. It was also a great time to watch the video of Melissa and Jason's wedding pictures.

Saturday night we had everyone over our house for a big Father's Day cookout. It was my first 'real' entertaining event since moving in. Even though we have had all those people over before (and many more people), it still felt official somehow. John grilled pork tenderloin for pork sliders and I made rosemary roasted red potatoes, green bean bundles, and white chocolate and strawberry cake balls. (Yes, Missy, I took pictures to satisfy my food porn addiction.) The cake balls were not planned, but when life gives you ruined cake...make cake balls. 

No matter how 'open' your house is, everyone
will always congregate in the kitchen.

Momma made an appearance!

The boys

Asbell men!

As every "fun uncle" should, Jason swung Evan around by his feet. 

The night ended with Evan giving John his Father's Day gift from him and Luke. Luke was asleep and didn't get to participate, but I doubt he minded. ;) This painting was created by Gail Wilkins for The Stirring's 10th anniversary. The moment I saw it, I knew it would be in our house! I tried to buy it for John for Christmas, but he really wanted a guitar and I couldn't swing both. I contacted Gail about the painting knowing I wouldn't need it until June. I was amazed by my own will power not to break the secret. Terry and Angela let me store it at their house because I knew there was nowhere to hide it during the move. There were a couple little hiccups that almost spoiled the surprise. I had to pay Gail in cash so John wouldn't see the check. He kept asking why I was hoarding cash! Also, 2 weeks ago he started hanging things on the wall of his music room. I ran in there and said, "heeeey....whatcha doin?" hoping to secure a place for his painting without him knowing! In the end, it all worked out and he is super happy with Gail's art.

Evan explains the complexities of the piece.