Julie's Graduation and 18th Birthday Party

On June 27th, Julie had her joint graduation and 18th birthday party with Nathan Adamo. After a busy morning of preparation, the festivities began at 1pm. What followed were six hours packed with food, fun, fellowship, and games. Mommy Carlson and Mrs. Adamo made lots of dips and finger foods with the much appreciated help of others who supplied the meatballs, vegetable trays,

salads, etc. We had borrowed a volleyball net, and between that and our ping-pong table, the swings, and a vigorous game of hide-and-seek, the kids had plenty of fun. After several ping-pong tournaments, some of the older children invaded the garage, and started a stimulating game of round-robin, in which the players run around the table, and as they get to either side, they have to pick up the ping-pong paddle, hit the ball, and then put the paddle down, before relinquishing the spot to someone else. Whenever someone messes up, that person is out of the game. The players continue to be eliminated until only two are left to battle for the chaplet! Andrew Adamo and Daniel were fierce

competitors, but Catherine, Julie, Phil, Stephen. and Becky held their own pretty well!
In the back yard, the much calmer adults sat, ate, and talked at tables under the shade of three

canopies. The color scheme was multi-primary colors, and so the tables had a various colored table clothes. Marcus enjoyed the audience, and posed for any cameras that happened to point in his direction!
In the house, the kitchen received a constant flow of visitors looking for food. In the dining room, a small table held the graduation cake and other desserts. At about 3pm, everyone was called into the house to sing "Happy

Birthday," and Julie and Nathan blew out their token three candles. On the entryway table in the living room, Nathan's computer and Julie's computer were set-up, running simultaneous slide shows with pictures from their babyhood up until present day. Sheryl had kindly made up Julie's slide show and had added music, which wafted throughout the house.
At 7pm, the last of the guests left, and the Adamo and Carlson families rolled up their sleeves and began to clean-up. To complete the day of fun, Carlson kids and co. headed over to Montville to watch their spectacular fireworks display.