The Going Away Weekend

I figure it's been two weeks, so it's probably about time I actually posted pictures of the big Bon Voyage weekend we had for Chris before he departed.

We started off the weekend at one of our favorite places, the Freiheit Country Store in NB. They have the best burgers, and seriously, the best fries in the world. Plus, it's a big giant barn with loud country music being karaoked by terrible (and a few good) singers. What's better than that? Oh yeah, cold beer and super sweet tea!

And chickens to chase. Which is what Jack did pretty much the entire time we were there. With his (Vegas) Grandpa Ed close behind him.
Most of Chris' work buddies came out to drink some beer and celebrate with him. They appear to be having a good time, they almost always are.
See those french fries? They cut the potato WHEN you order the fries. They're super fresh and delish. And this little man is determined to eat them. He's just stolen them from someone else's basket and come running down the bench with them.
Just the girls.
On Saturday, we had a huge "Bon Voyage Backyard BBQ" for all of our family and friends, over at my parents house so the young'ns could run wild, and be contained.

Jack was his usual self, doing daredevil stunts and just his regular rabble rousing type stuff. With his Grandpa Ed not far behind him. Here, he's riding in his beach wagon down the drive-way, only to be pulled back up and do it all over again.
The guys all played cornhole (the bean bag toss game made of bags actually filled with corn, hence the name cornhole.)
Dirty boy. His perpetual state. (But doesn't he look cool?)
Friends of ours just had their first baby, a sweet princess named Charly, and I got to get my hands on her when she wasn't being hogged by our other friends! She's such a sweet tiny little thing. Even Chris got in on some baby holding action!


The food was great, fried fish, brisket, watermelon, potato salad, deviled eggs, Rudy's cream corn, beans, all kinds of good stuff, and some of the best cake and cheesecake on earth! Everyone really enjoyed it!

Including this dirty little man, who stopped for a moment long enough to eat a couple bites before running off again to play.
Or to sit at a table more his size and enjoy a cold beverage. After we were sufficiently stuffed, we spent the rest of the day sitting around, enjoying each other and drinking cold beer. And taking pictures.


And doing lots and lots of laughing.
And hugging.
And playing. And daredeviling type things.

You know, typical barbecue.

It was really a wonderful and perfect day, and the very best way for our family and friends to see Chris off. We're so blessed to have so much support so close to us, and I'm so thankful to all of them.

Now I just can't wait to have a coming home BBQ even bigger and better than this one!