My brother in law turned 40 this year.
It almost slipped by without us realizing it was his big 4-0. You see every year at Christmas while the entire family is together we always have a little cake to celebrate Jeremy, Heather and Nick's birthdays. They all happen within 2 weeks of each other so we just kinda do one big celebration. Well as we sat around the table early in the week when everyone was here, Jeremy mentioned he was turning 40.
Big mistake little bro.
We don't let monumental occasions like that just slip by. So with only a couple of days, I had to pull out the last bit of creative juices I had left in me for 2012.
The theme was kinda a no brainer actually. Jeremy has had a beard for 20 years now. His wife and kids have never seen him without one. I've had the pleasure though, being that he was 13 years old when me and Nick started dating. I thought about pulling out a picture. Back then he was into skateboarding, Vans shoes, asymmetrical haircuts and was a little on the chunky side. But I decided to spare y'all. (plus, he's got a some stuff on me from back in the day and I ain't no dummy)
So with all the hype about beards these days thanks to the beloved Robertson family and their show, Duck Dynasty, AND the fact that Jeremy is kinda a Duck Commander himself (saying he is passionate about duck hunting miiiight be an understatement), well it just made sense to throw him a Duck Dynasty party for his big 4-0.
It was pretty simple really. We already had enough camo in our family to go around...that was the dress requirement. Next, we had to make beards. I traced them out on kraft card stock, used wooden skewers from Nick's grilling stash for the sticks and colored in some whiskers. I put my sis-in law on the hunt for American flag bandannas for all the Willies and we bought black toboggans for all the Jaces. We drank our usual sweet tea in honor of Si and said the word "jack" all night.
For throwing it together last minute on the fly....it came together pretty good.
The main thing is...we had us some fun.
Some cute little "willies"
Some serious looking Jaces..
Maw Maw Loni getting her duck hunting face paint put on...
Me and Jules... aka Willie and Jace. (even though she had lost her beard)
Me and Heather...she was my partner in crime helping me secure all the bandannas and toboggans.
The Birthday Boy!!!... and his sweet bride Joicy-Poo.
(and he's smiling. For a picture! Miracles still happen.)
The ca-ute birthday banner my three nieces whipped up ...
(there was a little mishap with spelling of Boo Boo...it happens y'all)
Jeremy and his crew.
Jode and his crew.
Nick didn't get a pic with his crew...that's what happens when they grow up and scatter.
We tried to take pics of Elizabeth with her bunch but somehow there was some screaming and crying that went down with my grandchildren (can you believe that?) and it was a no-go.
Here is a small but cute portion of the Nick Holden clan...
and me and him.
(this is my best "serious look")
Now for the must have "group picture..'
Here are a few candid shots while I figured out my camera settings...
the pictures before the picture.
I'm loving Ms Dianne's expression. Not sure what just happened.
But from the looks of it, Jeremy might be the culprit.
This is Jeremy's usual expression for a picture...
99.99% of the time.
The Doc slipped in late and cracked us up with his version of a beard.
We decided Paw Paw Nick would have to fill the "Phil" slot.
Ironically, this ensemble he's wearing, I see on a daily basis...not just for the party.
Nate Dog thinks its great.
I think he's trying to tell Paw Paw about some ducks or something...
This is Ms Dianne and almost all her grand babies and great-grand babies. (we're only missing the three grown ones) She is our "Ms Kay" and anybody who knows her can tell you she could flat out give Ms Kay a run for her money when it comes to cooking. I ain't even kidding.
Me and the birthday boy.
We go waaaay back. I woulda never thought it back then that he would end up being one of my favorite people in the world. I have never met a greater servant and harder worker than him...not to mention crazy talented. He can build pretty much anything. He's one of the sweetest daddies I know and he and Joice are such a godly example to others when it comes to their marriage. I have the utmost respect for him and am so thankful we are family.....plus he's got THE whitest, skinniest legs on the planet and they make me giggle just thinking about them.
(hey...it was getting too mushy up in here)
He will definitely hold the record in the family for wearing a beard for the longest running time without shaving .. 20 years is pretty rockin! BUT I have to say...
I think his big brother has him beat with the best looking beard.
His white whiskers are pretty legit.
It'll always be my fave.... Jack!
Stephanie :)
