Maya's birthday party was the next day but I took advantage of being in St. Augustine for Suzanne's concert to swing over to Palm Coast to celebrate a day in advance. First I had breakfast with Marian and Biff at Perkin's (potato pancakes!!!!) and then went to Christina's from there. Justin and I gave Maya some butterfly wings to wear, fancy ballet shoes, and Play Doh toy. Rayna is checking out the wrapping paper with her grandma, Marian.
After leaving Palm Coast, where we enjoyed Tina's brand-new pool, I went to Suzanne's birthday party in Lake Asbury. Suzanne had a nice group of church family there as well as neighbors and relatives to share in the fun. Mike and Judy are in the kitchen preparing the low country boil as Phil Hoyer oversees the work. Mike also made a Boston butt in the smoker which was simply delicious. What a great time we had that evening!
Jayne came with her new hubby in tow and he is just the nicest guy! A true Southern gentleman who got along famously with John and their neighbors. None of Jayne's and Dave's kids were there, just grown-ups that night. Suzanne and Anne Hoyer are helping Jayne study the table which was laden with appetizers and such for before the big feast. Anne was astounded at what a long ride it was to their house, almost needed to pack a lunch first! It had to be at least an hour from the Southside to Lake Asbury so the great meal and fun made it worth their while!
In case you cannot make it out, the candles indicate '40'. John and Suzanne started the celebrating earlier in the day by going parasailing in St. Augustine. It was something Suzanne wanted to do but then freaked out when it was happening, laughing and being scared at the same time. The guy who took them out photographed them as they launched from the back of the boat. She made John sit still so as not to rock the boat, so to speak. It was great fun, especially after it was over!
