Showering Amy and Grover

Last weekend was fantastic! We enjoyed a visit from a dear friend and hosted a shower for another close friend. The visitor was Bonnie, who flew in from D.C. to attend the baby shower for our friend, Amy. Bonnie and Amy are like family to us. We went to law school together, and during our third year we started a weekly "family dinner" tradition.

After graduation, Bonnie and her husband moved to D.C. to start new careers: Bonnie as a kick-ass patent attorney and Joe transitioned from a career in science to a position with the government. We treasure any time we get to spend together, but we're waiting for the day when we can lease a private jet to start a new tradition of going on family vacations together. Okay, we don't need a private jet to go on family vacations but a private jet helps.

Anyway, Amy is expecting a little boy due on 1/1/11, which we think is pretty cool. Amy and her husband, Byron, are calling the baby "Grover" while he's in utero, and Grover and Arlo are already hanging out together on a regular basis. In fact, when Amy holds Arlo, Grover likes to kick Arlo in the butt.

Amy holding Arlo while Grover kicks Arlo in the butt.

The shower was a lot of fun largely because of the great people who came. Of course, the unusual Halloween theme helped provide a fun atmosphere. To make things easy, we got a lot of help with cooking, gift bags, decorating, etc. In my experience, having friends who like to help makes everything better.

We put Bonnie to work when she arrived, and she also took some great photos. Check it out!

Amy and a geeky math onesie from Ryan and Joe to Byron.

Sara (frittata cook and helper extraordinaire) enjoying some quality time with Arlo.

Game time!

Good company and good conversation

The woman of the hour catching up with friends.

Sara's amazing mini frittatas.

The spread

Sugar coated glasses for drinks

Savory pumpkin pastries (recipe from Martha Stewart's website)

Dessert and gift bar

Chocolate cupcakes with ganache and marshmallow skulls

Ryan, Arlo, and I are so lucky to have such great friends, and we can't wait for the arrival of Amy and Byron's little guy. Arlo is eager to play with Grover and teach him all he's learned in his time as a Nonerick.